National Drive 2012
October 9 - 14, 2012
October 9 - 14, 2012
The National Drive and its newest affiliated activity — the Spring Training Camp — will both highlight driving activities in the Kentucky Horse Park in 2012.
The National Drive, already the largest single gathering of carriage drivers in the nation, will be held October 9 through 14, 2012. The Spring Training Camp, an activity designed to get both drivers and horses in shape for the coming season, is scheduled for May 4 through 6, 2012.At either activity, unhampered driving throughout the park is encouraged. One may simply attend THE NATIONAL DRIVE, join about 250 recreational drivers and turnouts for the long weekends of driving, participating in several parties, joining the parade of carriages or just driving in areas normally closed to all equine traffic but which are open only for The National Drive. There is no need to participate in organized training at either event.
The SPRING TRAINING CAMP will feature two clinicians considered foremost in the world of pleasure showing and endurance. John Greenall, from Vermont, will offer sessions on turnout and horse conditioning as well as a driving clinic intended to improve participants’ reinsmanship and ring tactics. Joanna Wilburn from Memphis, Tennessee, will handle pair issues as well as focusing on single driving for the novice. Additionally, any participant who so chooses can drive through the park at will and never needs to participate in any of the planned activities in either event. It’s mostly an opportunity to socialize and network with drivers from throughout the US (The National Drive typically hosts participants from 23-25 states and Canada) in a genial span of camaraderie with fellow recreational drivers.
Both activities encourage informal attire (helmets suggested) and are centered around sound basics for every carriage driver regardless of his/her experience level. A safety check will be required prior to any turnout being driven in the park. All Kentucky Horse Park features, including the museum, are open free to all participants in either The National Drive or the Spring Training Camp.
Vendors will still occupy stage center at both events. Both events will feature morning coffee and doughnuts (fruit, yogurt, muffins, etc. as well) furnished by The Driving Digest, the nation’s largest publication devoted entirely to driving techniques, hoses and vehicles. Wine and cheese parties highlight the National Drive schedule culminating in the Sue Lyon Memorial Mimosa Drive on Sunday.
