I have a 14 yrs old Gypsy. I recently moved to KY and I’d like to send him to driving training. I prefer somewhere close to the VA boarder, so I can visit. I prefer a place where he can remain, even after training. Does anyone know of a place? He’s very gentle, but very smart. He is currently in NC. I’d be willing to share breeding rights (AI or tested mares only).
I would check out pool poole training center in Swansea, North Carolina. They have a lot of experience with driving and I know they’ve maintained several stallions for breeding purposes on the property, so they absolutely can properly handle then. When I sent my horse out be broke to drive 7 years ago. I checked with pretty much every major driver and judge in the area and they all recommended Blanchard Poole. It’s not going to be a finished cde horse, but it’s going to be a well-trained safe driving horse with a prior foundation that can be further developed into a finished competition horse.
Also, Paula Bliss is in VA. I’m not sure if she’ll be in Florida for the winter or if she takes in horses for training but she is in the right geography
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Also, now that I’m reading this when I’m a) not on the carriage and b) using glasses, since you are in KY, Jacob Arnold combined driving is in Paris, KY and he does start horses. However he is in Florida for the season, I believe they come home April 1.
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Sterling Graburn is in Harrodsburg, Ky.
He also has experience with working with stallions with his own small breeding operation.
I would also reach out to the CAA and see if they have a list of trainers.
And here is the link to Spokes and Spurs a KY riding and driving club: https://spokesandspurs.com/
I feel that you can’t go wrong with either Sterling or Jacob. I do not believe Sterling goes south for the winter, so you may have better luck with him through the winter/early spring.
I am sure I am blanking on other trainers in the Paris Ky area.
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There are about a gazillion saddlebred barns in KY, NC, and VA that could break your horse to drive. Check out National Horseman, Saddle Horse Report or the ASHA website to find someone in your area. Some barns are more set up for Ammies and may not want to deal with a stud. Kathryn Rodosky Taylor has had a few Gypsies in her show string the last few years.
