The 3rd National Drive was held at the Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington,
Kentucky beginning Wednesday, October 10th and lasting through Sunday,
October 14th 2007. The five day drive is designed to become the
largest gathering of recreational drivers in the country.
|
Judy Davis and Lacy J Lily |
Approximately 300 equine with 220 carts/carriages including six
Mules and two Donkeys were reported to be in attendance according
to Sally Cheatham secretary/treasurer for the drive. Lily, a
four-year-old NASMA Registered Palomino Molly Mule
happened to be one of those mules. Ronnie and Judy Davis of DeFuniak Spring, Florida were her drivers.
What a wonderful driving event! After a safety check your number
was marked with a sticker and off you go at your leisure, the whole
Kentucky Horse Park! To name just a few highlights, we drove
by the huge barns, arenas, by the many Jumps in the park, (Rolex in
picture), by the winding fences and noted the road sign “Horses have
the right of way” (needed "Mules" on it).
On Saturday there was a parade in the afternoon. As each
carriage/cart drove by the name of the driver and mule As was in our
case, it was announced as well as home town to the many spectators who
had come to see the drive. There was also poker run, wine and cheese
party, scavenger hunt, and visits to the museums in the park.
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Judy Davis and Lacy J Lily |
The Carriage Association of America, and its museum and gift shop, is
located on the grounds of the Horse Park and as new members and yes
they accept Mules, we were delighted to visit. The American Driving
Society was also represented. Both accept mules and the mule John
Henry from New York is the one to thank for their acceptance of
mules. There were lots of vendors with carriages, harness,
whips, and Sherry Lower was there to help you with your driving
outfit. Driving Digest was also in attendance. You could sign up
for clinics or have a private lesson. There were coaches with
four up hitches, minis with carts, a driving dream week end, no
showing and No Nerves just driving and driving and driving all over
the wonderful Kentucky Horse Park.
I highly recommend this event to all mule folks. So put next October
2008 on your calendar and don’t miss
THE NATIONAL DRIVE.
Judy Davis |
