The Lorenzo Driving Competition was a rainy, yet impressive, site with a record number of Haflingers (15) participating in the marathon, obstacle and pleasure driving classes held throughout the July 19 & 20 weekend in Cazenovia, NY. This show is an ADS recognized event with a long standing reputation as drawing the best of the best to its arenas. Many drivers attend the show as a “practice run” for the prestigious Walnut Hill Driving Competition which takes place in Pittsford, NY mid-August each year. This year the Haflinger breed certainly made an impression, with quality turnouts in many of the divisions. To recognize the efforts of these Haflinger exhibitors, the Haflinger Owners Promotional Enterprise (H.O.P.E.) awarded High-Point ribbons in each division as well as an embroidered cooler and ribbon to one Overall Champion. Division winners were Dave Smart (Pony –Mr. Nipper), Ken Perkins (Horse –Limited Edition KCH), Robin Perkins (Novice – Galaxy JMT) and tying for top Junior Division honors were Phebe Alley (My Country Lady PGF) & Jillian Gemmell (Nolan One). Robin Perkins of Gorham, NY was the Overall H.O.P.E. Champion. Congratulations to all of our winners!

The winners of the HOPE award that we selected were: Saturday: Marjorie Puckett and Merico. Marjorie displayed excellent horsemanship and sportsmanship. She was a kind and generous but very determined competitor. She had her horse impeccably prepared and presented him very well. Sunday: Larry Smith and Legacy. This ten-year-old mare had not been driven in a year but she and Larry came out and showed everyone how it was done. Larry's understated wealth of knowledge shown through in how he presented himself, his horse and when he visited with others ringside. Both recipients were very surprised but very honored to receive the HOPE award and I had the impression that it meant the world to both of them.