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As this is being written, the dust is still settling on the road as the folks return from the ADS meetings in February 2007. During those meetings several changes to the rules were approved that may have an impact on the driving world as it pertains to combined driving and the participation with a horse labeled as a VSE. When VSEs began participation in this sport several years ago a group of talented people took the time to consider and make specific rules for VSE. These rules were a fair beginning for us, and allowed those of us who chose to drive the smaller version of the horse to have an active part in the combined driving world. They provided an excellent foundation, which we can now build upon to everyone's mutual benefit. |
| In CDEs, substantial increases in the numbers and successes of VSEs were noted. Thus it became apparent that the small equines were capable of much more than was being asked of them. As a result, information was gathered and changes in the rules were proposed. These changes were sought not as a restrictive motive to limit VSE participation, but to provide more opportunities. The aim was to allow both organizers and drivers an opportunity to provide more challenging venues for the VSEs |
| Not everyone in the ADS world agreed that changes would be practical, so a plan was made to allow organizers not just hard-and-fast rules, but a range of parameters. |
| There are now two main paths that can be embarked upon. The first is a path that keeps everything basically the same. Organizers can continue generally to follow the rules they have used in the past. Nothing mandates that organizers need to create a different course or build something specific for the VSE classes. Life goes on the same. This may be good in some situations. It can cost money and time to build new hazards. There may be concerns over available space and terrain. There are choices for the size of the Dressage arenas. The rules even after the changes continue to allow VSEs to have a shortened Section A and a full Section E, now adding a Section D only if A is longer than 1K. There are currently many successful events that include VSEs, and it may be that no changes are needed to continue that success. |
| There are those, though, who want more than has been allowed in the past: more challenge, more growth, more credence in VSE abilities. |
| Hence the second path. Now-defined parameters allow a transition to help organizers who want to develop courses that are VSE specific so that they may bring challenges more like the bigger horses and ponies receive. Perhaps if a new hazard is going to be built as an addition to a course, then it may be possible to build it in such a way as to be transformed easily to comply with both the VSE or large horse rules as needed for each event. If organizers were so inclined they could build an entire course for VSEs only or they could use the same course for VSEs and other classes together. Now there are clear guidelines to assist them. |
| The rules have always allowed organizers to evaluate the terrain and course and set speeds and distances based on local conditions. The difference is that organizers can now build specifically for VSEs. The guidelines offer a great potential that is limited only by the course designer's imagination. |
| Maybe there won't be any huge changes in the near future in the number of events that offer a VSE class. Maybe organizers will not choose to use the new opportunities. Maybe there will not be a huge increase in the amount of people who want to participate with a VSE. |
| The potential, however, exists for excellent growth, reaping a huge harvest from a small amount of seed. Several of the local miniature horse clubs in the Pacific Northwest have shows that have over 150 animals. One show had over 300 horses participate. The numbers may be slightly smaller in other parts of the country but the horses are there and most of them are trained to drive. Many of the people have a lifetime of experience with horses. It just so happens that their current horses of choice are VSEs. The bottom line is that there are a great many VSE folks out there with available dollars and adequate skill levels that are looking for a place to drive their horses. The fact is there is a huge resource of people who already drive, just waiting for more opportunities to come their way. Not only will these same drivers compete in CDEs, they will also help fill the clinics and increase the number of potential volunteers for events. |
| Some organizers have suggested that we build our own separate VSE events. This does sound like a great deal of fun. However, we believe that separate but equal events are not the answer. Sure, there may be an occasion that it is appropriate. But most VSE whips want to be a part of the big event. They just want to be treated like anyone else. They want a chance to show off their steeds and enjoy the ambience that is provided by participation in the event itself. Just because some folks drive smaller animals doesn't mean their skills and knowledge are less than those who drive bigger animals. They like to share too. |
| Whether organizers take advantage of the new regulations is their prerogative. It is hoped that some will explore the possibilities that are allowed under the new guidelines and perhaps we will see more events offering a VSE class. Perhaps we will see those already offering VSE classes changing the courses to offer more challenges. |
| We would ask that all parties be patient. It may be several years before the true benefits are observed and appreciated by all. In the meantime, we would encourage all participants to work with the organizers to build events that people continue to attend and enjoy, make new friends, revisit old ones, make new memories, and share a common denominator, be it small or large: the horse. |
