This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (Claudia Galup) I've been reading all the recent posts about driving and its dangers, and taken it all to heart very seriously. I also read with interest Joel's post about the difficulties of trying to sell trained horses for prices that reflect their training, and I have been feeling so grateful for my own situation. Last summer I spent a week in Nova Scotia at Beaver Dam Farm in Carol Rivoire's Beginner Driving program, and had the most wonderful time. The farm is beautiful, the horses well trained and cared for, and the program seemed flexible for all levels of ability. I h ad never driven before, and was deeply grateful for the no- pressure, safety first approach to learning. Not only did I fall in love with driving, but I fell in love with one of Carol's imported Dutch mares. She had been in training for a year under BDF's wonderful trainer, Don. Rosan, the mare, was expensive........but she is also calm, well trained, ( beautifully trained, according to my local trainer), and ready for me to drive. She is so beautiful, and eager and willing, and I feel so fortunate that Carol had the foresight and insight to say, "I think you two would be a good match." My North Carolina trainer paid her a high compliment---he said that whoever bred her knew what they were doing. I don't for one minute think that nothing bad could possibly happen. I never drive alone-- the trainer is always with me. I have the good fortune of boarding at a farm with a resident trainer. But with the benefits of a trainer to help me , and a well bred, well trained, and well chosen horse-----I am having the most wonderful time! It is worth it to me to pay for Rosan's training because I'm a beginner, and not a young one, either! I have the highest regard for all of you who train these wonderful horses and gratitude that I can reap the benefits of your skills. And I'm Absolutely crazy about my beautiful, sweet, smart Rosan. She makes me look good!
claudia
