Where Coach is First Class
"All In One Place" Press Release
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& Press Releases
The 4th
annual Driving Forum, The Premier Driving Conference & Trade
Show ™ was held March 1 & 2, 2008 at the Clarion Hotel in West
Springfield, MA. Despite a late season snowstorm and uncertainty in
the economy, devoted drivers and driving wanna-be’s are returning
annually to this fantastic educational, networking, and shopping
extravaganza. Over 80% of the show’s attendees had attended previous
shows. Linda Roth, founder and principal of The Driving Forum
™ notes “it’s wonderful to see the kind of devoted support we have
from current drivers. The event certainly is meeting a need for the
driving community, old and newcomers alike. We are proud to be able
to produce a quality show.”
Attendees from all over
the USA, Canada and Europe gathered this year in western Massachusetts
to hear from such notable speakers such as Andy Marcoux, Jeff Morse,
Scott Monroe, Jerry Trapani, Janet Mayberry, Cher Griffin and Jen
Brooks. In response to requests from the 2007 year attendees,
conference topics focused on the growing popularity, thrilling nature,
and skill involved in combined driving.
Lolisa Windover, conference producer,
explains “We work very closely with all of our speakers to ensure
quality presentations. Unlike other equestrian trade shows and
conferences whose presentations are sometimes marginal and have many
distractions, our attendees benefit from actually sitting and
listening and learning for an hour at a time! Feedback this year was
excellent and we will continue to bring attendees the very latest and
greatest information about driving today.”
Roth notes that The Driving
Forum ™ staff is already formulating next year’s event to be even
bigger and better, meeting more needs and gaining more momentum
throughout the equestrian world. “The 2009 show will focus more on
getting new drivers and kids involved in the sport, from the basics.
Safety can never be overstated in driving. There is also a great
demand for more sessions which cover recreational, farming and draft
horse driving,” Roth said. “We need to help new drivers be
able to begin driving on a shoe-string budget but with the necessary
support accessible. Our goal is to meet the needs of
equestrians who are already driving or want to take on the endeavor
safely.”
Look for information regarding the 5th
annual Driving Forum ™ show slated for March 2009!
Many thanks go out to the 2008 Driving
Forum ™ Exhibitors & Sponsors including:
AmeriCan Carriage Driving Magazine
American Driving Society
BarnSweetBarndvds.com
CarriageMart.com
Cedarknoll Farm, LLC.
Coachman's Delight
DD Rapps
Driving Digest Magazine
Emilee’s Galloping Goodies
Equinesite.com
Equine Reflections
Equine Rehabilitation Services
Griffinbrook, Ltd.
Horsemen's Yankee Pedlar
Jacob's Village & The Carriage Barn
Kutzman Carriages & Pleasurethyme Farm
Laurette's Driving Apparel
Massachusetts Horse Magazine
Meader Supply
New England Carriage Imports
New England Horsetalk Magazine
Poulin Grain
Purina Mills
Remembrance Hill
RunningBrook Farm Carriage Barn
Steed Read Horseman's Classified, LLC.
The Equestrian Collection
The Lippitt Club
The Sign Barn
Tally Ho
Tufts University, Cummings School of
Veterinary Medicine
Westfield Whip
Yered Trailer Sales & Service
Web links for all
sponsors and advertisers may be accessed via THE Driving Forum ™
website at
www.driving-forum.com
A photoshow of
the 2008 event may be viewed by going to this web address:
http://www.photoshow.com/watch/sb6Pz4mK
Quotes from 2008 attendees include:
“Just wanted to let you know informative and how much fun last
weekend’s Driving Forum was!! Many thanks for putting it together for
all of us.” Shanna S., CT
“The Driving Forum ™ was a blast and a wonderful entre to the
driving season. I bought my harness there and found the cart I want
to get as well. I was able to get some much needed guidance and am
more excited about driving than ever!” Donna L., NJ
Yankee Pedlar Article -
Reprinted with
permission from the Horsemen's Yankee Pedlar
Click Here
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Where Coach is First
Class |
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By David Silverstein, dsilverstein@lowellsun.com
Lowell Sun |
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Article Launched:03/11/2007
07:38:32 AM EDT |
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WESTFORD -- Forget Cinderella and her pumpkin coach.
For the nearly 1,300 people who attended "The Driving Forum™"
at the Westford Regency this weekend, horse-drawn carriages are
more than just a form of transport, they are a modern-day passion
wrought with culture, fun and tradition.
Described by organizers as
New England's premier equestrian carriage-driving
trade show and conference, they worked hard to make the forum
exactly that.
The two-day forum centered around eight educational sessions,
during which nine speakers, renowned within the driving community
for their years of involvement as trainers, competitors, judges or
other roles within the industry, touched upon a variety of topics,
ranging from training and safety techniques to the art of the
turnout -- which is the stylistic element of driving such as
clothing and carriage design.
In addition, more than 40 vendors were on hand, showcasing
everything from harnesses to old-fashioned driving apparel to even
carriages themselves, some of which were displayed in lobby of the
Regency.
The Driving Forum -- which began in 2004 when Linda Roth realized
that there was no centralized source for information about the
sport -- has more than doubled its attendance since the first
conference was held in 2005. Roth attributes that growth in part
to increased marketing, but also says that interest in driving has
been on the rise for several decades as more horse lovers have
been exploring this sport on the fringe of the equine community.
"One of the things I really like (about driving) is that friends
and relatives who aren't involved with horses, you can take them
out, it's a way to show them the countryside. It's sort of a
throwback to years and years ago. And I think that in our society
we've lost that," said Cynthia Schultz, who traveled down from
Arlington,
Vt., to attend.
In addition to seasoned practitioners, the conference also
appealed to people who own horses and are considering crossing
into driving but haven't quite taken the plunge yet.
"My wife has been wanting to get into it. This was a good
opportunity to come and learn about driving. Getting information
from the seminars about the different aspects of training and the
types of driving has been excellent," said Richard Marco of
Marlboro, Conn.
"This is a great sport. It's so versatile and you can have a lot
of fun with it," said Debbie Becroft of Wallingford, Conn.
The event continues today at the Westford Regency, Littleton Road,
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
All in one place, all in one weekend!
THE DRIVING FORUM: New England’s Premier Conference & Trade Show is almost here – Saturday March 10, 9am –
6pm & Sunday March 11, 10am – 4pm at the Westford Regency Inn & Conference Center in Westford, Massachusetts
(www.westfordregency.com)! It’s the perfect venue to meet like minded equine sport enthusiasts and is pure paradise for
carriage drivers, driver-wannabes, riders, and those even remotely curious. You have a unique opportunity to see over 30
exhibitors and educators covering every aspect of the equine experience. THE DRIVING FORUM is not to be missed!
Act NOW - ensure your space for the weekend AND dinner! Register for the entire show by February 20th at
www.driving-forum.com or by mailing a check written to The Driving Form, postmarked no later than February 20th. Cost is
only $75 for the weekend, $50 for one day only, and $40 for the dinner. Mailing address: The Driving Forum, PO Box 42,
Brookine, NH 03033. If time is limited or you’re simply curious and want to check us out - come for just the trade show - only
$10 at the door!
You’ll have the privilege of hearing the following partial list of renowned speakers, ready to share their long and storied
wealth of knowledge:
• Heike Bean (equine judge, competitor, and co-author of “Carriage Driving, The Logical Approach Through
Dressage Training”)
• Scott Monroe (international driving competitor and champion)
• Robin Groves (driving and riding competitor and acclaimed equine educator)
• Jeff Morse (Morgan breeder, trainer, Co-Chair of the AMHA Morgan Horse Show since 1989)
• John Greenall (carriage driving competitive pioneer and carriage collector).
But your day isn’t over when exhibitors close up on Saturday afternoon (March 10). At 7p in the Westford Hotel Ballroom,
we’re holding a special dinner – -perfect for networking and mingling with your fellow horse enthusiasts. Enjoy great
cuisine while hearing Dottie Billington and Jim Keathly speak on their respective long equine careers, and be entertained
by the singing of Emily Trubey.
Don’t wait, register now for THE DRIVING FORUM - New England’s Premier Conference and Trade Show, to share
experiences, meet new friends, and expand your equine education. For more details, check out
www.driving-forum.com or call 603 673-3956. See you there!
NEW REDUCED EXPO ONLY TICKET ADMISSION – As part of
its continued effort to attract new participants to the exciting sport
of driving, The Driving Forum has significantly reduced the cost of
admission to this year’s exposition floor. The $10 expo only ticket
is sure to engage the curious and those of us who are in need of new
equipment and seek the convenience of one stop shopping!
The Driving Forum™
By Bobbi Sistrunk
New England Horse Talk
The
Westford Regency Inn & Conference Center was the place to be March
10-11, 2006 if driving - particularly carriage driving - is your
passion.
Through the
efforts of Linda Roth, founder of The Driving Forum, driving
enthusiasts finally have a place to gather together to discuss and
learn about all the opportunities this discipline has to offer. Young
and old, men and women alike, find common ground through the shared
experiences of driving their favorite horses. When interviewed, Ms.
Roth informed me that after years of going to equine conferences and
trade shows such as Equine Affaire and the Northeast Horsemen's
Conference which offered just a couple of vendors or clinicians
dedicated to driving, she decided to organize The Forum as a way to
bring the entire driving community together in one place.
The Forum is now in its second year and seems to be growing strong.
With attendance of approximately 500 people in 2005, this year topped
out at over 1000. Ms. Roth hopes to attract over 3000 attendees next
year as this years success lends itself to becoming an annual event.
With discussion topics such as “Important news for the new driver -
avoiding common pitfalls” hosted by Jeff Morse of Green Meads Farm, to
“Winning turnouts” by Gloria Austin of the Carriage Association of
America, there was something for every level of driving enthusiast.
The session rooms were divided into two categories, “Newbie” and
“Seasoned” allowing attendees to choose the areas they felt most
comfortable in or needed the most help with. Mr. Morse, well known
Carriage driver and Morgan horse trainer spoke of safety issues for
all drivers to consider, especially those new to the sport, such as
always wearing a helmet and using a kicking strap during training for
the safety of both horse and driver. He encouraged folks to take at
least a couple of formal lessons, keep tack in top condition and
assure a good fit to the animal. The fit of the vehicle seat to the
height of the horse and the driver are also of particular importance
to safety he said, so that the driver always has a clear view over the
top of the horse.
Other clinicians included Bill Duffy from Northeast Equestrian
Products lecturing on “Features of safe, quality harness and proper
harness fit”, Sue Rogers, clinician, discussing “Proper steps leading
up to the successful hitching of your equine”, Halide Caine from
Connecticut Equine Massage, Cher Griffin, of Griffin Brook Ltd., Dr.
Rose Nolen-Walston from Tufts University, Bill Chadwick representing
Doe Run Carriages, Scott Monroe, USEF National Combined Singles
Champion, Andy Marcoux from Coachman's Delight and Pat Hubbell from
the Rhode Island Driving Club, who spoke of “Choosing your first
driving vehicle and beyond”. Injecting a few anecdotes from her
personal experiences, Ms. Hubbell was informative, helpful and at
times, comedic in her presentation.
Upon entering the trade show area, one is treated to the sounds,
sights and scents that only the true horse lover can fully appreciate.
The sound of jingle bells being gently shaken, the aroma of grain
surrounding the Purina Feeds display, and that familiar, calming scent
of leather goods, old and new. From jewelers to carriage makers, the
vendor area was chalk full of everything the inspired driver could
ever want. Beaver Dam Farm was on hand promoting their favorite
driving horses-Fjords along with several other farms including Skyline
Farm, and Running Brook Farm. Meader Supply, Slypner Gear, Yered
Trailers, Pacific Carriage Company, Equine Reflections, A & B Barns
and many more, over 37 vendors in all, were plying their wares.
Publications like Small Farmers Journal, American Carriage Driver
Magazine, Driving Digest Magazine, Equine Journal, Horsemen's Yankee
Pedlar, Equine Exchange, Massachusetts Horse, and of course, New
England Horse Talk were all on hand supporting the forum.
Some of the best equine artists in the business presented their works
to a very appreciative crowd. I was drawn to a particular work by
artist Barbara Frake. The picture was so perfect, I had to look very
closely to be
Many well known photographers brought along pictures taken at last
years shows. Owen Richmond from Clear Shot Photography in Putnam,
Connecticut, displayed his fine digital photographs. Several, taken
with a very “artistic flare” captured the personalities of his
subjects beautifully. Perhaps Mr. Richmond will be capturing your
crowning moment this year. He will be the official photographer at
several Morgan Horse shows this year as well as the Tri-State Dressage
Show.
4-H'rs were on hand promoting and supporting their local clubs with
information, memberships and raffle items, cleverly luring in
potential members with dishes full of complimentary chocolate and
other irresistible sweets. I spoke with Diane McGary and Joan Ricker,
board members of the Middlesex County 4-H Advisory Council on why they
felt it was important to be at the forum. Ms. Ricker said “it is
important to support youth and family programming within Middlesex
County.” The Pepperell Trailblazers 4-H group echoed her sentiments
and had several members of their club working the crowds to promote
the group and sell raffle tickets. Some lucky raffle winner would have
a new shed delivered to them after the weekend's grand prize drawing.
4-H clubs dedicated to horses are located throughout Massachusetts and
beyond and offer kids wonderful programs from horsemanship to
hippology.
No
trade show geared toward driving would be complete without having
available the beautiful attire worn by the drivers. D. D. Rapps had a
lovely collection of aprons and other accessories to choose from.
Laurettes's Hats & Driving Apparel in particular captured my interest.
Making the journey to Westford, MA all the way from Ottawa, Canada,
Paulette St-Amour and Laurie LeCompte formed a company “created to
provide attractive and stylish driving apparel for pleasure drivers.”
They have designed hats that “will stay on your head even in a stiff
breeze!” and come in a vast array of styles and colors which they were
more than happy to model for me.
Rounding out the list of vendors were the gift and antique vendors and
the carriage companies themselves including Coachman's Delight, New
England Carriage Imports, Pacific Carriage Company and Wake-Robin
Carriage Company, Inc. From Meadowbrook style carts to Marathon
vehicles and Coaches, these folks are able and very willing to supply
them for you.
Whether you're new to driving, an old pro, or just interested in
learning about this discipline, The Driving Forum is for you. Plan now
to attend next years event March 10 & 11th, 2007 at the Westford
Regency Hotel, Westford, MA www.westfordregency.com and tell them New
England Horse Talk sent you!
