Paul Maye and Markus. Photo by Pics of You.
From Dana:
As with eventers, drivers are headed northward as spring (hopefully) appears. Combined driving bids adieu to the Sunshine State as the next big thing on the to do list is the Southern Pines CDE, April 12-14 at the Carolina Horse Park, in Raeford North Carolina. This year’s competition hosts the USEF National Pony Championships. Indeed, ponies are the in thing this coming weekend at the park as well over 60% of the turnouts will feature ponies in singles, pairs, and four in hands. Key competitors in the single championship division include Paul Maye with Markus and Suzy Stafford with TTE Tea Time. These two have been trading wins throughout the winter season. Others to watch include Jennifer Matheson in pairs and Alison Stroud in four in hand. The Preliminary Single Pony division is the largest with 18 entries. Ponies Rule, Horses Drool!
The park is just hitting it’s springtime prime, azaleas and dogwoods are starting to bloom and competitors will once again be challenged by a well-designed Richard Nicholls course. Early weather forecasts are encouraging, admission is free and the action non-stop! Dressage will be all day Friday, Marathon starts Saturday at 9am and cones will take place on Sunday. For further information check out www.southernpinescde.com , www.carolinahorsepark.com or for live scoring www.drivingnews.us.
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Here’s the view from the box (the driver’s seat) with last year’s USEF National Single Horse Champion Sterling Grayburn and Ulano on the 2012 SP CDE course. Video provided by www.picsofyou.com.
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Red on the right, white on the left and a different kind of insanity in the middle.
Go Combined Driving!
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