On May 19 and 20 we attended the carriage driving clinic given by Olaf Nyby of Norway, held in Ottawa Ontario. Thanks to Cheryl Beillard of Wake-Robin Farm for arranging this fun and educational clinic.

Olaf is one of the top driving trainers in Norway (in Norway he gives over 25 clinics per year). Olaf has worked all over the world including the Royal Palace and he really "knows his stuff".

The clinic horses included 6 Fjords, 2 Welsh Ponies, 1 Canadian horse, and 1 Canadian Appaloosa cross. The Fjords present included two 3 year old mares - Julie Will's Silviann and Cheryl Beillard's Tunica, and three mature mares - Pat McCurdy and BDF Anitra, Linda Wollowitz and Vesle Blakka, and Lori Albrough with Cindy. Pat Wolfe drove the stallion Felix.

The horses/drivers were divided into four groups consisting of either two or three turnouts, based on the combined experience of horse and driver. Each group had two lessons per day. Every group started the day with a long-lining lesson. At noon we had a theory session on rein- and whip-handling techniques. Later that day, we hitched and worked on our particular goals.

The second day was held outside, and started with long-lining, then moving on to work in the cart. In the morning Cindy and I worked on driving up into the bridle, bending, circles, figure eights and serpentines. In the afternoon Cindy and I drove with Pat and Felix and we did a cones course, and introduced cantering. Fun!

We really enjoyed this clinic as it was a very good opportunity to learn and have fun with other Fjord and carriage driving enthusiasts.