Pacific Region

Regional Director: Veronica Campbell; Long Beach CA, t.v.campbell@verizon.net

Territory: California, Nevada, Hawaii, Arizona

ADS Pacific Region

            Finding a driving event in California is no longer a problem.  The problem is how to choose which event I want to drive and how do I arrange the time and money to get there.  This is a very real problem as the average trailering time for almost any event (unless you're hosting) is 2 hours and many times it's more like 7 hours trailering time.
            With that said I am happy to say that every avenue of driving is explored.  Recreational driving abounds with no less than 7 designated picnic/ country drives just for the fun of it.  Two major Dressage shows and those wishing to drive at Pleasure Shows also have several to choose from starting with a series of driving shows at Lakeside arena near San Diego and in Norco, California..  The Whip'r Snapper Club will sponsor two this year one in February and another in October.  There will also be a Trraditional Day of Driving in October.  This year Pleasure Days will be held at Tejon Ranch under the organizational skills of Linda Fairbanks and Celine Rickards   Adding to these will be some of the breed shows that offer Carriage driving and the various fairs that take place all over the state.
            Five CDE's, including a sneak preview at the new Monterey Horse Park in July, Ram Tap in April, Woodland Station in June all offering Training through Intermediate.  Henry Boyd will offer Training through Advanced and Shady Oaks will once again be an FEI event.  The California ADT/HDT Challenge, under the sponsorship of Carriage Driving Essentials, will once again encourage drivers to get out and drive.  Last year this program saw many new drivers which led to club and ADS memberships not to mention getting more clients for local trainers and spurring the sales for those selling driving equipment.
            Sprinkled through this already full calendar are Play Days, Summer Camps and various clinics and learning opportunities for all levels of driving.
            A major goal for me this year is to get a young driver to one or more of the young drivers  camp.  I feel this is an excellent way to introduce the young drivers to a wealth of knowledge with a hands on approach.
            Of course the Pacific Region will once again meet in the fall to outline the driving calendar and address any other topics that are on driver's minds.
            I want to extend an invitation to all drivers through out the country to come check out the events and fun we have here in California.  Perhaps if you are planning a trip this way contact me and I can see if we can get you to one of our events.

            Following is a short list of areas open to driving in California

1. Hansen Dam - located in Los Angeles county
2. Mammoth mountain region - Stabling available at Sierra Meadows in Mammoth town.  Miles upon miles of graded dirt roads and dedicated trails
3. Red Rock State Park, Mojave region  Horse camping - no corrals, dirt roads
4. Hundreds of miles of dirt roads in the desert to drive
5. Pismo State Beach Park.  Riding at any time is always available.  Riding you have both the use of the beach and the dunes.  For carriage driving I'd recommend paying attention to the tides (you want low) and week days are preferable as there are less tourists.  Your horse must be very traffic safe for you are sharing the beach with everything else; cars, motorcycles and all kind of off-road vehicles as well as water and air craft.  it's interesting how well all hobbies can co-exist.  There is no charge for horse trailer parking or admission for horses and drivers/riders. For more information see http://www.gopismo.com
6. In California's Central Valley is Woodward Reservoir east of Manteca.  It has miles of roads around the lake.  There is day camping and overnight camping is allowed in the primitive area.  You need to tie to trailers or bring portable stalls.  For more information go to: http:www.co.stanislaus.ca.us/er/parks/pdf/woodward-reservoir.pdf
7. In Southern California you may drive at Chino Hills State Park .

Happy Driving!!!
Veronica Campbell