2012 Meet up group EVENTS
Alamo Mini Harness Club
Please click here to read important safety and personal guidelines.
2013 EVENTS
Please scroll down to current month
I've been informed that the photographer was having too much fun to take picturtes! Maybe next time!
2013 group EVENTS
Alamo Mini Harness Club
2013 Group Event Planners
Elizabeth Pannill - coordinator
Gail Gavit - coordinator
Debi Curtsinger - coordinator
& event emails
Debra Bohnsack - website/emails
If you would like to host or help plan an event, please feel free to email anyone above. Your ideas are welcomed!
*Suggestion for an event? Please contact any event coordinator listed at the top of the page. New ideas are always welcome!
Do you have a favorite place to drive? Why not host an event there! During hot weather - you could host a non-driving day (seminars, lunches, etc.). We are always looking for places to get together. We need someone to host events in July - December
The following events are "in the works" for the future!
Karen Harris, Donkey Clinic
Francine Dismukes
Debi Curtsinger
Debbie White
Gail Gavit
The Agility Event
Rachel Steen
Harla Spooner
Sisu Morris
Nancy Stimach
Betty Wills
The Christmas Party
Please mark the dates on your calendar and check your emails
the night before any event in case of weather cancellation.
Remember, you do not need to bring an equine to every event.
Sometimes its fun to relax and visit with your two-legged friends!
March 2: Hondo, Texas. Open Driving Day and Dental Check by Carl Mitz Hosted by JJ and Debi Curtsinger.
THIS Saturday, 9 a.m. Get your mini equine’s teeth checked for free. If you need dental work, the cost is $60. Carl Mitz is a fantastic equine dentist. Dental checks will start in the morning until appointments are complete.
PLEASE NOTE: We only have 5 equines signed up for a dental check, at this location, so Carl will be here for those animals and then will leave for his next appointment. So if you are planning on attending - Please please RSVP NLT Thursday, February 28th so we will expect you. There is no limit, at this time, to how many he can do - we just need to know you are coming so he will still be here for your animals.
There will be a cones course set up for driving. Bring your lunch, chair, coggins and equines. If you would like your picture taken with your equines - - dress up and I will bring my camera.
Please note: If you cannot come to Hondo, Carl is also going to the Cedar Creek/Austin area on March 1. Please schedule for the two Austin area locations, by contacting Robyne at kimbragoes@gmail.com or Elizabeth at goatdoc.ep@gmail.com
Please remember to RSVP, with the number of equines, for each location.
As posted in the Equine Dental Providers of America:
Carl Mitz
E-mail: mitzequine@aol.com
Carl Mitz has over 25 years in Equine Dentistry and is a third generation horseman. He has held State Racing Licenses in Kentucky, Ohio, Michigan, Arkansas and Florida to provide dental maintenance to racehorses. One of his most well known accomplishments is his research and development of equine dental instruments and techniques for horses of all sizes and purposes. Carl was certified in 1992 by the IAEDT and certified in Advanced Dentistry in 2002 by the IAED. He is a past president of the IAEDT and IAED. He has been published in 2 Veterinary Manuals- Equine Dentistry: A Practical Guide by Pat Pence DVM and The Manual of Equine Dentistry by Tom Allen DVM. He has also been an associate, consultant and volunteer for many organizations, universities and registries to promote the need for qualified dental providers to ensure the betterment and health of the horse. In 2011, he was appointed to the Advisory Committee of the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.
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April 13, Saturday: Drive at Granger Lake - Hosted by Betty Wills- Willis Creek Equestrian Trails is located on Hwy 95, North of Taylor.
The Willis Creek Park opens at 10AM. There is a fee of $4.00 per vehicle. Coggins is required.
The Equestrian area has about 16 miles of trails. The trails are very well marked, wide and not rocky. There is a nice parking area which will also be a good place to have lunch.
People/Horse Accommodations:
Hotels: Holiday Inn Express in Hutto. Best Western Inn in Taylor.
Betty Will has over night stabling for horses.
Our Hutto group members will provide sandwiches, veggie tray and drinks. All other group members could bring dessert and/or chips.
Please RSVP to Betty at betty@northwindfarm.org
Links for Willis Creek:
http://www.swf-wc.usace.army.mil/granger/Recreation/Trails/Horse.asp
Seven drivers and one rider enjoyed a wonderful day on the trails at Granger Lake. The weather was perfect and it was really special to drive thru the buttercups and other wildflowers. Most of the trail was flat, rock free ground . There was only a small area where the ground was rutted thanks to the feral hogs ! The grass was a bit high in a few areas - much to the delight of our minis !
We all enjoyed a nice picnic lunch thanks to Betty , Colleen , Kylie and her husband Chris. I think we have all decided that Chris must supply the cupcakes at any future events . They were the hit of the meal.
I would recommend driving at Granger Lake to anyone and hope to go back before the weather gets to hot.
Liz Pannill
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Rain in the forecast has changed the date for this event.
NEW DATE: Sat. May 18th : Run For the Roses - Hosted by Gail and Brad Gavit in Tarpley/Hondo area
We are planning a "Run for the Roses" Derby Day May 18th. It will be at The Oaks Ranch located in Tarpley, Texas which is about 25 miles north of Hondo between Hondo and Bandera. The Oaks Ranch is far enough north so that our temps here are always a few degrees cooler than Hondo, plus we are tree covered with lots of shade. The shaded trails, which is the course with numbered "gates", is kinda like a mini marathon course and you can choose to be timed on the course or not it's just for fun. I think the whole course takes less than 10 minutes to cover and is very user friendly. My get in gate will be open by 7:00am and the call to the post will start at 9:00 am. There will be two divisions: Mini Horse and Donkey. The event is modeled after the Kentucky Derby race, so each division will have a win, place and show winner with ribbons and trophies and prizes for each division and a photo op with each winner. We should be finished will all timed entries by lunch at 12:30. Wear your stable colors, dust of your cart, and bring your best Kentucky Derby themed hat, as we are also having a Derby hat contest with several categories and several winners, with prizes. Remember this is just for fun and there is open driving also. Mark your calendar. Please print the flyer link for more info.Please RSVP to Gail Gavit at 830-562-3796 or
The Run for the Roses was FUN FUN FUN. We all had a good time driving, posing for pictures and celebrating. Gail and Brad were fantastic as our host and hostess. The Ranch was so lovely, nice shaded trails, and beautiful landscaping. I love all the new additions, especially the finish line arbor.
Already looking forward to the next event.
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June 22nd - Driving at the Keyes Ranch in Dripping Springs. Hosted by Sisu Morris and Barbara Hilliard Deborah and Bill Keyes have generously offered their lovely ranch for a group drive. Sisu Morris and Barbara Hilliard are hosting this fun day. There is an enclosed arena and 2 miles of trails for driving. Rest rooms are available. Rain date June 29. The driving scenery is spectacular! More info to come on this wonderful drive! Look at pictures from last years drive here on the 2012 event page.
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August 17 - Horseman’s Market Day/Flea market. Sponsored by the Brazos Valley Driving and Riding Club. Brazos County Expo - East Pavilion. 8 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
BUY, SELL or TRADE all equine related items (But no animals on site – ONLY posters / fliers about animals).
EASY ENTRY AREA FOR CARRIAGES AND CARTS
Each 10' x 10' BOOTH $25 prepaid, or $30 at the Door
Early Bird Special: Pay for 3 booths by Aug. 7, get a 4th free.
Pre-registrations must be postmarked by Aug 7th
(NO EARLY BIRD SPECIAL at the door this year)
For more information contact Jan at: MarketDay@EquineDriving.com
Or call Lee at (979) 279-6217
Members: A few pictures of easy entry cart and items for sale at the Market will be posted on yahoo group. Please post pictures of anything you may want to bring.
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August 24, 2013 - Rookie Round Up 2013 - Sponsored by Houston Area Carriage Association (HACA)
8:30 - 5 p.m. Held at the Broker-Witt Farm, 14217 O’Dell, Magnolia, Texas. Register with Susan Bulgawicz at mini@willowcrest.com 281-351-9770.
Seminar will cover:
o Carriage Driving: Getting started on a shoestring.
o First Impressions for a winning score.
o Choosing and fitting the harness.
o Pleasure drives vs competition.
o Safety.
o Levels of competition; dressage, cones and marathon.
o What to wear - dress for success.
o How and when to fill out registration forms for competitions.
o Things they never tell you about driving and competition.
o Conditioning and grooming to win.
o Venders and lots more.
o Ask the Panel.
Registration form attached. Pre- Registration Requested – but just showing up is ok too! P.O.C. Susan Bulgawicz at mini@willowcrest.com (281) 351-9770
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September 14, 2013 – Granger Lake - Willis Creek Equestrian Trails. Hosted by Betty Wills
Meet at 10:00am. Bring your lunch and a desert to share. Bring a chair. RSVP to betty@northwindfarm.org
Check in at the park entrance gate. Coggins required. $4.00 fee per vehicle.
Willis Creek is located off of Hwy 95 on CR 346. The park is about 10 miles northeast of Taylor. Granger Lake Headquarters Phone: 512-859-2668.
There are camp sites with RV hookups at Willis Creek. Camping reservations may be made through the National Reservation System (NRRS) by calling 4 days in advance to 1-877-444-6777 or on the internet at www.reserveusa.com.
Granger Lake website. http://www.swf-wc.usace.army.mil/granger/index.asp
Willis Creek Trail Map:
http://www.swf-wc.usace.army.mil/granger/Brochures/Horse%20Trail%20Map.pdf
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October 12, 2013 - Cancelled due to govt shut down.
Granger Lake - Willis Creek Equestrian Trails. Hosted by Betty Wills.
Meet at 10:00am. Bring your lunch and a desert to share. Bring a chair. RSVP to betty@northwindfarm.org
Check in at the park entrance gate. Coggins required. $4.00 fee per vehicle.
We will drive first, then have lunch.
Willis Creek is located off of Hwy 95 on CR 346. The park is about 10 miles northeast of Taylor. Granger Lake Headquarters Phone: 512-859-2668.
There are camp sites with RV hookups at Willis Creek. Camping reservations may be made through the National Reservation System (NRRS) by calling 4 days in advance to 1-877-444-6777 or on the internet at www.reserveusa.com.
Granger Lake website. http://www.swf-wc.usace.army.mil/granger/index.asp
Willis Creek Trail Map:
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Host Debi Curtsinger driving Sir (above) and Tally (below)
APRIL Event Photos - Click thumbnails to enlarge
May 18th, 2013
November 9th - An Introduction to Pairs Driving & Pairs Lessons with Francine Dismukes -
at FHD Stable in Luling from 9am -4pm
Hosted by Liz Pannill DVM
Francine Dismukes and Malen Dell will introduce everyone to the world of pairs driving! This event will take place in Luling at FHD Ranch. Find out what it takes to put a pair together and what attributes make a good driving pair.
Auditors welcome! Raindate November 23. There will be private pair lessons hourly starting at 9 a.m. and ending at 4 p.m. Lunch break will be from 11-12, and a Pair Driving seminar, with a demo pair or two, will be from 12-1. Francine will discuss harnessing, vehicles, whips, what makes a good matched pair, etc. Lessons spots are filled, but please contact Liz at goatdoc.ep@gmail.com to audit or with questions.
If you don't have a pair - just come and audit. Its always fun at Francine's training facility. Remember to bring your coggins (if applicable), chairs, lunch and drinks.
This great clinic will consist of five individual 45 minute lessons with your mini, pony or donkey at a cost of $65 each.
Auditors are also welcome at $10 each for the whole day!
Those who take a lesson will work with Francine on pair driving skills they wish to improve upon.You will be required to bring an astm approved helmet, whip, gloves and negative Coggins your horse.
There will be a driven pair demonstration with some of the clinic horses from 12 - 1pm.
Those signed up for a lesson (see below), please make your checks out to FHD Stable
and mail your check to Liz Pannill by Oct 15th to reserve your lesson spot.
Mail check to:
Elizabeth Pannill
PO Box 176
Staples, Texas 78670
If you have changed your mind about a lesson PLEASE let me know ASAP so we can offer the time to someone else !
Format:
9 -10 am lesson Marla Haenel - mini horse pair/ Glinkowski
10-11 am lesson Lori Radke - ground driving lesson w/mini horse pair/ will bring wagonette
11-12 Lunch break- Please bring your own drinks and lunch
12-1 Group Pairs Talk with Demo Pair (or two pairs)....Discuss harnessing, vehicles, whips, what makes a good matched pair, etc. Francine will also talk about each pair during the lessons.
1-2 pm lesson Gail Gavit- mini horse pair/ WCC
2-3 pm lesson Lee Fuermann - donkey pair/ Tadpole
3-4 pm lesson Karen Merrill
Please email Liz Pannill for directions or more info at: 512-738-7224 or
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MAY Event Photos - Click thumbnails to enlarge
