Central Districts Driving Association, July 2002
	Winter is really here now, but that has not stopped driving for many hardy souls, in fact when we drew up the calendar for the next season, there are very few free weekends between now and the end of the year if you care to use them for driving related events. Alison Cameron organised a drive in the Waitarere Forest recently, that was attended by some of our members, and on the Sunday of the AGM weekend, we had a Dressage Ring Craft Day, taken by Rosemary Smith. This was held at Bainesse at the Jarretts' new residence and had a good attendance with some very new members who were full of questions. One pony and one donkey were used as guinea pigs, and Rosemary was seen driving a 'donkey', on a very worthwhile day with no pressure to perform.				There are many events coming up, both with and without equines, including the world renown midwinter 'Bunny Drive and Intelligence Test', ensuring a full season. For those showies in our midst, the royal Show is being held in Palmerston North and the harness classes are on 9 November. We have got a large secure area dedicated to us (not sure where the members are going to park this year), and we are going to include a town drive, hopefully using the Esplanade. Isabel Cochran
	Hawkes Bay Carriage Driving, July 2002
	Well, we're nearly at the shortest day and we are still having temperatures of up to 20°C - a far cry from the south who, as I write this, are under snow. We are desparate for rain here now but I must admit that it's been lovely not to have to contend with rain and mud. Our Club is having its AGM on 8 July, and we are off to a midwinter dinner next Friday. It's been perfect weather (apart from the wind) for getting young or new horses ready for next season. Over the school holdays some of us are getting together to help each other. Krissy Hulme-Moir has just put her thoroughbred hack into harness. She's a lovely chestnut mare who has competed successfully in dressage, and has had many ribbons in the hack ring too. It's early days yet, but I'm sure she will be a great addition to the horse classes this season.				John Bull tells me that his mare is off for a stint of show jumping shortly. My baby, Royal Sprite , may be ready to do some easy events this season too. Jill Udy and I are hoping to head to Australia in November for Judy Dwyer's event. We've been offered a pair of grey ponies to drive. That'll be a steep learning curve! Last (but not least), thankyou to all the people (especially Jackie and Isabel and a lot of our club members) who made the North Island Championships so much fun. Personally, I enjoyed it immensely, and never cease to be amazed by the courage and honesty of my pony. It's a super sport!! Rosemary Smith
	Auckland District Harness Driving Club, March 2002
	Members, old and new, have been making their presence felt out and about in the Auckland area during the last months, Lew Duffett and Trevor Ford put in a smart appearance at the 150 year celebration parade in Waiuku during November. This parade was organized by the Waiuku Lions Club. December saw some of our members, namely Sno Bennett, Carylon MeCree, Kathy Callimore and John Stretch, giving rides at the Funfest. This lively event was held at Alexandra Park (the trotting raceway in Auckland) over a period of four days.				Dave Williamson, Lew Duffett and Sno Bennett were invited to the opening of the new carriage museum in Fielding. They report there was a trek of 200 km which took just four days. The Auckland Combined Drive on 23 and 24 of March. As well as needing competitors - and which CD is not in need of these cherished beings? - we do need helpers. We in Auckland do look after our helpers, in fact we love them. Should anyone have the urge to help please just phone Mairi McIver on 09 420 7142. Need to compete? Just phone Mairi. Barbara Larsen.
	Central Districts, March 2002
	It seems that of late there is something to do every weekend in the various facets of driving if you choose. Before Christmas we had the Feilding Show with our usual fun and training day afterwards - this year held at the old racecourse. We had a good turnout and several new combinations ventured out to have a go. In the new year, several of our members took part in the parade to mark the opening of the Horse Drawn Vehicle Museum here in Feilding. This project has come to fruition after many years of planning and fund raising and when you next visit the Manawatu it is a must for your itinerary.				The day following the opening we had a fun day again at the racecourse with dressage, cones and some challenging obstacles and obedience type of driving and ended with a somewhat wet town drive. There were a good number of turnouts and several very new combinations out again and getting great results. Our Combined Drive takes place very soon and after a flat tyre and an ignominious towing out from a stream of the course designer's vehicle, we hope the competitors have more fun and less stress than the designers do!! Isabel