EUGENE, Ore. — In the old days, people used to get around the Willamette Valley with a horse and cart and now, two young girls are doing the same thing — old fashioned “driving.”
Katie Scheid and her friend Maia Morgan have been “driving” miniature horses since November.
Both are training for their next show with the Willamette Valley Miniature Horse Club. During the show there are requirements that must be executed.
“They have a walk, a trot, a medium or working trot at their comfortable pace. And then they have an extended, as fast as they can go without cantering,” said trainer Jaleese Mobley.
A driver also has to move in reverse while maintaining control.
Pulling a cart behind a miniature horse isn’t easy.
“Driving has a lot more risks in it because you are not on your horses back, you are sitting inside of a cart. So if you horse spooks, it’s a lot harder to control your horse,” added Mobley.
Training keeps the girls busy, but as long as they’re with horses, they don’t mind.
For now, Katie and Maia enjoy peaceful ride with their minis, but they have big plans for their futures. The girls plan to open an equine rescue.
“We are talking about a horse rescue and my friend is wanting to be a vet. So she’ll be the vet of the rescue, and yeah, it’s just going to go as it goes,” said 13-year old Scheid.
3 comments
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Linda O'Connell says:
September 19, 2012 at 12:16 pm (UTC -7)
Hi Katie!
Linda here….the rabbit manure customer! Miss seeing you with your buckets for my compost pile but now I understand where you’ve been! Sounds like you’ve been busy taking care of your career as a renowned horse person!! Great job! I enjoyed reading about your challenges with the carts and your future dreams of having your own rescue center. Best of luck to you and your friend! Keep in touch, okay? God Bless, Linda
Alfonzo Luz says:
September 19, 2012 at 9:14 pm (UTC -7)
Katie Rules!
It’s great to see the horses treated so considerately and the girls getting out in the sunshine. This is an activity that needs more participants!
ALF
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debbie says:
September 23, 2012 at 8:13 am (UTC -7)
Hi Katie,
I LOVE it! It’s wonderful to see how you haveing fun and enriching that little horses life!! Keep up the good work!! ~ ~ Debbie