Drivers work the reins in a carriage derby

Carriage-driving enthusiasts had a unique opportunity to hone their skills at a Carriage Driving Derby, held last Saturday in the grass arena at Kanoe and Dyrk Godby's Crooked Pine Ranch on Indian Ford Road.

In a driving derby, competitors complete a course consisting of cones and obstacles. There is a route to follow that demonstrates skill in turns and spatial awareness. It is a timed event, with penalty seconds added for tipped-over cones. Some cones have balls resting on top of them, and penalties are incurred if they become dislodged.

The low-pressure, fun event was organized by the Driving Enthusiasts of Central Oregon (DECO) club, and open to drivers outside the region. In addition to local drivers, there were participants from Lebanon and Dallas, Oregon. Each round was run to a 1960s-era soundtrack, adding to the lighthearted spirit of the day.

It was part of a three-day clinic/gathering for drivers. The first day was a cones clinic taught by Muffy Seaton, giving participants an opportunity to get familiar with part of the derby course. The last day was a trail drive through the forest.

Maggie McLaughlin of Tumalo, a long-time club member and competitor, said it was the first driving derby held in Central Oregon. The sport has ties to another driving discipline - combined driving - and is very popular on the East Coast and in Europe.

Sandy Marlow of Sisters is the current president of DECO and drives mostly for her own pleasure.

"I had enough of competition with hunters and jumpers years ago," she said.

However, after a turn around the course as McLaughlin's navigator (the person hanging onto the back of the carriage that provides stability at faster speeds) she found her opinion of competition changing.

"It was very exhilarating," she said with a wide smile. "It makes me see this is a cool sport."

Another competitor was from Healing Reins Therapeutic Riding Center in Bend. The carriage was pulled by a spunky fjord horse called Acer. Maddie Engles, a Healing Reins participant, was the driver, with Cindy Cronin along as her able-bodied navigator.

Cronin is a certified therapeutic riding and driving instructor who has been driving for 15 years.

"It is ideal for participants with high fear or weight issues or who are unable to physically sit in a saddle. We are the only therapeutic riding center in Oregon to offer driving," she said.

Engles, who also rides at Healing Reins, added, "I like all of it. Driving is so different, in discipline and atmosphere."

DECO was formed in 2000 and has quietly been providing carriage drivers with a community of like-minded members. There are around 20 active members, some who compete whenever they can, some who enjoy driving for pleasure. The club holds clinics, group outings and campouts and now seems poised to offer some enjoyable competitive options.

For information on DECO, contact Maggie McLaughlin at [email protected]