We have put considerable effort into introducing VSE (Very Small Equine who call themselves miniatures) in the Pacific Northwest to the world of Combined Driving. That effort has been well worth it. This year our CSE/Small Pony CD Schooling show garnered eighteen turnouts, two of them small ponies. While not one of our bigger events, it is growing, and we look for it to continue.

"Our mini people" as they have become known around here are a tremendous group. They have jumped in and taken advantage of several clinics we have hosted for them as well as our other clinics open to all drivers. The have asked us to breed meetings to explain the sport and have had us setup obstacle courses for them at breed shows. They set up special schooling days where they can drive in regulation dressage rings, and practice water crossings, hazards and obstacles.

"Our mini people" are a dedicated group dedicated to their equine partners, learning, helping others, and having fun. They have braved the weather to volunteer for work parties and some of our other events for "regular-sized" horses and ponies. They are asking for more opportunities to learn and improve their driving skills, more clinics, more schoolings, and more competitions. Miniatures coming into the world of Combined Driving have had a lot to deal with. They have given up side checks and over checks. They have added brakes and breeching. Appropriate turnout has definitely been a challenge as they are scrambling to find harness, carts and carriages appropriate for their horse and the sport. We now have a brand new cart/carriage maker here in the Pacific Northwest who is building as fast as he can as he is turning out a product competators are very pleased with, and orders are coming in faster that he can build. Clothing for the sport is also different than what they are used to in their breed show rings. Hats and gloves are being found, aprons are being sewn, and little details like "lose those white socks Simon" are being attended to.