Horses In Harness Report
With Pam Mackenzie

Make sure you're insured!

Slop, mud, and swirling, shedding hair marks the season. Isn't spring wonderful? There are lots of plans in the making for some very busy harness horses and ponies.

There will be a variety show and auction at the Lower Falmouth Hall on April 25 at 7 pm. People are asked to bring donations for the auction, and there will be a free will offering at the door. Funds are in support of the Windsor Spring Draft and Show and Pull to be held June 12-14.

Please note that the Nova Scotia Belgian Horse Association is no longer carrying member coverage for insurance. Members are advised to join the Nova Scotia Equestrian Federation (NSEF) or purchase private insurance coverage. The NSEF does not cover horse pulling or anything you are getting paid to do. Those individuals who pull/haul may want to look to other clubs, including the Western Nova Scotia Draft Horse Association for possible options (email info@wnsdha.info).

In Clydesdale news, the N.S. Clydesdale Association (NSCA) will have held its annual dinner, dance, and auction at the Westville Fire Hall by press time.
Justin Shaw will hold a Clydesdale spring clinic at the McMillan Show Centre in Truro, N.S., on May 23, starting at 10 am. There's no admission fee and everyone is welcome. Contact Freda Hamilton for more information at 902-922-2586.
The annual Wagon Train trek hosted by the NSCA will be June 20-21 in North River to Tatamagouche Mountain. All draft breeds welcome: for more details call Freda.

The Nova Scotia Morgan Club will sponsor a ride and drive clinic April 25-26 in the indoor arena at Porter's Equine Center, Stewiacke. All breeds and all levels of experience are welcome. The clinician is Valarie Siemer of Florida who has won numerous awards in everything from saddle seat to pleasure and carriage driving. Contact Gordon Young at 902-883-9908 or email gordonyoung@ns.sympatico.ca for information or to book a spot to participate or audit.
The Nova Scotia Morgan horse show will now offer open and mini driving classes, as well as obstacle and dressage driving classes. Contact Club members for more information.

A driving clinic is being organized for April 18-19 at Nancy Webster-Pineo's stable. The instructor will be Bridget Eisengruber. Contact Kim Fortin at kafortin@eastlink.ca or phone 902-765-1145, or email Peter Jackson at peter.jackson@ns.sympatico.ca for more information.

Upcoming events at Princess Louise Park Show Centre (PLP) in Sussex, N.B,. include the Equine Review on May 2 and 3. Contact arial@nbnet.nb.ca for more information.
Robin Groves will hold a spring tune-up clinic there on May 8-9.. Last word before press time was that driving participation was full, but audits are still readily available.
The New Brunswick Draft Horse show will run May 30-31 at the Centre. It will include all breeds of draft in hand and in harness, and all are welcome. Contact Marg Hayes at 506-432-1819 for information.
The Centre will also host two Morgan horse shows in June ­ the first on June 6-7 and the second on June 18-19. Contact Melissa MacKenzie for information or entry forms at 506-832-5515.

There are two upcoming Can-Am Emporium East events to look forward to in Atlantic Canada: Fredericton, N.B., on May 22-24, and Windsor, N.S., on May 29-31.

The Nova Scotia Driving show will be in Salmon River, July 11-12. Contact Hazel Brenton at hbrenton@ns.sympatico.ca or 902-895-8908.

The New Brunswick Sunrise Summer Classic will be in Sussex, N.B., July 18-19 with Morgans and Arabians participating.

This year's South Shore Exhibition in Bridgewater, N.S., will be held July 22-Aug.2.

Congratulations to Standardbred Canadian Horseman of the Year 2008, Phil Pinkney, of the Truro Raceway. This skilled and humble horseman shared top honors for the year with the great Somebeachsomewhere, also of Truro. "The Beach" won Horse of The Year and many other top awards in Canada and the U.S. and has retired to stud at Hanover Shoe Farms in Pennsylvania. Phil, however, has no retirement in sight as he's still training and driving daily!

The Annapolis Valley Harness Club meets the second Thursday of each month at 7 pm in the community room at the Sobey's in Greenwood, N.S. All members and new members are welcome. The Club promotes driving for all equines from miniatures to draft for show and fun. For details call Kim Fortin at 902-765-1145.

It is with great sadness we report the passing of wrestling legend Yvon Cormier of Dorchester, N.B., on March 4 at the age of 70. Cormier, better known as "The Beast," was famous for his "Bear Hug" moves in the professional wrestling ring, but he was also a familiar and well-respected face in the harness world.
"The Beast" was a man of many talents including playing guitar and showing draft horses. He also was very involved in Standardbred harness racing. Many a story has been told about the honor and kindness shown by this hulk of a man while at the track with his racehorses or at an exhibition with his drafts.
Our deepest condolences are extended to the family, friends, and all who knew "The Beast."

Don't forget to pay your Club membership dues and check on the liability insurance situation. Please send all harness information, notes, and newsletters to Pam by May 2 for the next issue.

Please do send news, newsletters, and any information to me. Without your assistance, I can't help get the draft news and dates out to those who want to know what is happening. Deadline for the February 2008 issue is Dec. 14. Please note that show results are not published in the reports. Show committees are welcome to send them directly to HP for posting on the website (email to dvlmail@eastlink.ca and put "show results" in the subject line)

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