The Lorenzo Driving Competition held throughout the July 18 & 19 weekend in Cazenovia, NY. HOPE winners were (l to r) Dave Smart, John Brunner, Tom Frechette and Bill Hendershot. Congratulations to everyone for a great show.

To the H.O.P.E. Board: It was with complete surprise that I received the H.O.P.E. award from Tabitha Reimer at the Oregon Gold Show in May of 2008. I had read about the award in the Haflinger Horse magazine and Western Haflinger bi-monthly newsletter and saw the promotional display set up by Tabitha at the Oregon Gold show. I asked her about H.O.P.E. as my impression was the award would be presented to a Haflinger breeder. Needless to say, I was truly honored and surprised when I was called into the arena to receive it. A few years back, as a 67 year old retired adult, I wanted to return to equestrian sports. It didn’t take long to decide on a Haflinger, an easy keeper, the "do it all" horse with athleticism. In addition to their ideal height they were praised as being easy going, calm with a "want to do it" disposition and gorgeous good looks. I haven’t been disappointed as Haflingers are all that was said of them. Since receiving the H.O.P.E. award, I feel stronger than ever that Haflingers need to be seen and my motto is "A Haflinger for every equestrian family". Your award has given me a feeling of obligation to show and share their attributes. To implement this into action I participated in the 2008 American Haflinger Registry performance Points and Awards Riding Division program. This past week I was notified that my horse, Mariko FLH, has received the title of Champion. Additionally, within the AHR I tracked 400 plus hours of recreational riding, the highest recorded for the year. Feeling strongly about Haflingers, I am responsible for placing three Haflingers on the small island in Washington State, where I live. I also agreed to become a board member of the Western Haflinger Association. I made a large cash donation on behalf of Haflingers to the San Juan Island 4-H Bits n Spurs club and recently wrote an article to encourage members of WHA to participate and support the Oregon Gold Show. On a weekly basis I donate 4-9 hours teaching local children responsible horsemanship, ownership and riding using my Haflinger Mariko FLH. I push for and sponsor classes for young riders under 10 as well as classes for super seniors over 50 where none existed before. Earlier this month, I approached my local 4H club to instigate a drill team, encompassing all ages of riders. Additionally, this past summer I sponsored a young rider, enabling her to attend a four day Pony Club Camp. For myself, keeping to the talents and abilities of the Haflinger, I compete in Western, English, Trail, Dressage, Driving, Halter and Showmanship classes as there is nothing a Haflinger can’t do. One of my friends laughingly tells that my horse will soon be cleaning his own stall and paddock. Thank you for forming H.O.P.E. and honoring me with your award. I will continue to work toward promoting the Haflinger. Cordially, Marjorie Puckett Honey Lane Farms San Juan Island, Washington

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.