These were the sounds of the Fourth Annual Camp Black Prong or "Camp" as it's known. The brainchild of Connie Thoreson and Linda Evans and who do most all of the work themselves.
For the driving enthusiast Camp offers a lovely place to drive, learn and enjoy. Connie and Linda lined up top clinicians and trainers who offer group as well as private lessons throughout the weekend. What a great idea!
Of course FUN is a huge part of it too. Friendly competitions include "Scrabble Cones", finding the best course to spell words and trace pace which is a challenging timed cross-country course or just a lovely drive on the grounds of the Black Prong Equestrian Center located adjacent to the Goethe State Forest that also offers miles of driving trails.
Once the horses were settled and everything was stowed away the participants headed to lunch and a chance to greet friends. After lunch Gloria Austin offered a power-point presentation; "Communicating with the Driving Horse". It was a wonderful learning opportunity for all participants.
The rest of the afternoon offered driving at will, private lessons and general socializing. In other words, doing what ever you wished.
Dinner was served at 5pm immediately followed by the opening reception in front of the pavilion. After Connie Thoreson welcomed everyone
Bill Parkhurst announced this exciting event featuring music, horses, ponies and wonderful presentations. The big Expos throughout the country have nothing on Camp Black Prong !!
First a welcome to Camp participants and an introduction of the clinicians including:
Bob Giles, Ocala, FL. Highly regarded driving horse trainer, clinician, competitor and judge both Nationally and Internationally. Bob is a Decorated Vietnam Veteran and due to injuries from his service. Most recently he took Individual Silver Medal at the 2014 FEI Para-Equestrian Driving Championships for Singless in England and was also instrumental in earning the USA Team Bronze Medal.
Olaf Larson, Ocala, FL. Trained and competed in Sweden in his youth and eventually came to Ocala to work with Chester Weber. After 14 year in the US he established his own clientele.
Thoreston Zarembowicz, Germany/Florida. Thoreston started showing in driving at the tender age of 9 which has been his career since. As a result of his hard work he has won many National, International and World Championships over the years.
Fred Merriam, Ocala, FL. Fred has represented the US in many National and International competitions including winning Individual Bronze Medal in Conty France, 2002.
Gary Yeager, Ocala, FL. A second-generation Horseman and Trainer, Gary began showing at age 5 and cut his teeth in the Arabian Circuit. He has earned many National Championships and titles and is one of the most decorated trainers in the history of small equines. His background is very diverse and his training style is intuitive, relaxed and fun.
David Jay, FL. David Competed extensively before turning to the entertainment industry for most of his professional career. He toured with the Royal Lipizzan Stallion Show as well as with the Medieval Times with an emphasis on training.
These trainers are an amazing resource of world-class talent, all in one place at one time available for the "price of admission".
HIGHLIGHTS: Now ... Lights, camera, action, to open the show enter a cart guided by Flower, a "spunky" white pony, owned by Connie Thoreson followed by a single pinto miniature horse or VSE with "matching" Dalmatian dog trained to trot along side. Then came a team of four rare Dartmore ponies followed by four Pura Raza Espanola or Purebred Spanish horses, in a unique configuration. Finally two beautiful Friesians, one ridden with rider driving the front horse. All very exciting.
To close the ceremonies Bob Giles, gave us an eye opening demonstration of some of the challenges facing his fellow competitors at that event. It was very poignant.
Day 2: After a continental breakfast everyone harnessed and headed out to the individual clinicians for scheduled private lessons. These were very helpful for working on particular needs and challenges. It was a busy morning and after lunch everyone lined up on a first come, first served basis for a clinician before hurrying off to the next. It was a challenge to get to as many as possible in the 4 hour time frame.
Day 3: The again featured group lesson, this time in the morning followed by the Trace Pace after lunch. This was a fun but challenging timed course to be competed in an optimum time calculated to match the size of the equine, from VSE (very small equine) to large horse, such as Friesians. It was a cool but beautiful day and a good time was had by all. That evening the conversation over Halloween dinner was awash with the days activities and judging of the costumes.
Day 4: After breakfast everyone was ready for Scrabble Cones. Fun with a little frustration and some very interesting words.
Following the Awards luncheon it was back to the stables to pack up tack, open and close stall doors, load gear and horses accompanied by the sounds of farewell whinneys, "see you soons" and engines starting up for the drive home. A wonderful Camp indeed.