About the National Pony Driver Advocates

On January 24, 1998 a small group of mid-Atlantic region pony drivers/enthusiasts met to discus the promotion of ponies and pony drivers in combined driving events and pleasure shows. Many positive ideas surfaced and the decision was made to institute several of these in 1998.

The First Idea:  was to establish a group of pony supporters, two representatives from each A.D.S. (American Driving Society) region would be desirable. The purpose of this group would be to encourage the participation of pony competitors in their region as well as nationally.

An important meeting of pony drivers was held at the A.D.S. meeting in Tampa. It was generally agreed upon to go forward with establishing this group and several A.D.S. members agreed to represent their regions:

Both meetings identified the fact that there is a need to encourage pony competitors to support events and shows by filling the classes and divisions at all levels. What can be done to promote participation, interest competitors in traveling to events/shows other locally, attempt higher levels?

Some ideas that came from these came from these meetings were to offer educational clinics, development of a "Pony Power" column in The Whip, offer regional and national championships, secure sponsorship for pony divisions and championships, obtain publicity in equine publications and other sources of exposure and work with organizations to accomplish these goals.

Thanks to an anonymous generous sponsor, 1998 will see the Laurels C.D.E. held in September, hosting the first National Pony Championships for Advanced division single pony, pair pony and pony four-in-hands.

Garden State Horse & Carriage Society C.D.E., Gladstone Spring Driving Event and The Gladstone Driving Event have agrees to support a preliminary pony triple challenge in 1998. Our thanks to Freedman Harness, Hats by Katie, Albert’s Equine Dental Supply, and two anonymous donors.

In 1998 representatives in the Northeast are planning a New England Pony Championship and the Northwest representatives have indicated their interest in promoting ponies in their region with a triple challenge type activity.

A clinic for pony drivers is being planned. Tentatively it will be held in Pennsylvania sometime in July. Further details will be forthcoming.

The A.H.S.A. is willing to try to secure an invitation for ponies to compete in England at the Royal Windsor Horse Show again this year if there is interest on our part to do so.

As you can see a start is being made to gain the recognition that ponies deserve.
Click here if you are interested in becoming part of the group and willing to work to promote ponies and pony drivers in your region.

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