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In the early 1900’s a lady in the
horse show-ring was a rarity. Even more seldom seen was a woman
driving. Ponies – maybe, – horses hardly ever. Pairs or
Four-In-Hand – I would like to see that; some things never change.
From the time Loula Long Combs hit the horse show-ring, 1900’s –
1960’s, if you had the opportunity to see her, you would remember
her, and still be talking about it.
Loula would enter the show ring driving
her pair of Hackney horses pulling a George IV Phaeton, wearing a
HUGE hat, with Boston terriers at her side. Groomsmen in full
attire, not moving a mussel, would be assisting and adding color to
the scene. Loula was one of the only ladies to be put in Madison
Square Garden’s Equestrian Sports Hall Of Fame.
When you talk to people who knew
her, two things will always come up – her kindness and her love for
animals, especially her favorite horse – “My Revelation.”
Through the help of sponsors and
donors we are just starting to tell the story – and you can be a
part of this exciting journey!
You may have heard mention that there
were thoughts about starting a driving school of some sorts. Well,
we are ready to go. It’s called “The Loula
Long Combs Driving
Experience.” The purpose of this activity is really two parts.
The first part is to allow
people to have a way to experience driving a horse and carriage and
everything it takes to do this. Some people think the only thing
you have to do is hook a horse up and take off down the road.
Those of us that drive know there is much more than that. Not all
horses have the mind or the ability to want to and/or be able to drive.
So, what may start out as a pleasurable experience soon turns into
trouble the first time the horse sees something that is not in its
regular environment. So this is for the beginning driver, learning
the care, grooming, harnessing and handling of the horse. The
horses that will be used are Hackney horses and Norwegian Fjords.
Fjords are a rare, light
draft breed. The Fjord is a National symbol to Norway like our
American eagle. They have won consecutive championships in the Pony
Express Horse Show Circuit and 1st place at several parades
including the American Royal. Their names are Benedict and Mateaus,
aka Runner and Gunner.
You will be able to drive singles at
first with two or four wheeled vehicles depending on your ability
and what your goals are. You also may be able to show at Longview Horse
Park this summer. Or, maybe you just want to come to the show, lend
a hand and enjoy the social pot-luck that we have in conjunction
with us showing.
The other part is being able to learn
more about Loula Long Combs and how showing horses use to be.
We have contacted the Hackney Horse Association and the Saddlebred
Association to see if we may be able to obtain horses donated by
them to have exactly what Loula had shown, to better be able to
represent the R. A. Long Historical Society.
Lessons will be by appointment,
approximately one hour, but they will always go longer, time
permitting. |
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