The Driving Clinic

Friesians....they're big, black, beautiful horses with thick flowing black manes and tails and  "feathers" on their legs.  You've seen them in movies, usually ridden by knights or mythical beings.

We were graced with three Friesians in our pasture back in July when my friends Teresa Bron and Jacki Cacchiotti (from central Washington) brought them over to present a three-day "driving clinic" to local horse enthusiasts.  Two of the horses belonged to Teresa, and one to Jacki.

They arrived on a Thursday evening.   Friday morning the three of us went for a two-hour trail ride on these massive yet graceful horses.  It was my first time on a Friesian; till then I'd only fantasized about riding (or owning) one.  "Durk," Teresa's nine-year-old, was my horse for the weekend.  Teresa rode "Micah," and Jacki rode her horse "Fabio."

Friday evening Teresa began the clinic at the local arena, with about seven eager students.  The clinic continued on Saturday and Sunday, offering everyone the chance to drive the Friesians behind a two-wheeled cart.  As frosting on the cake, many of us had another chance to ride them around the indoor arena.  These three huge black horses stirred up some dust and made the ground shake!

We hope to host Teresa and her husband Will, and hopefully Jacki too, some time next summer in another driving clinic.  Teresa and Will drive and exhibit all over the western U.S. and are gaining quite a reputation on the show circuit, so hopefully we'll be able to find a time when they can treat Sanders County to another weekend of Friesians!  Meanwhile, we extend a heartfelt "thank you" to Teresa and Jacki for giving us a wonderful and educational experience.