2026 Driving Derby Series

Derby #1

May 23, 2026

Sponsored by Spokes & Spurs

At Valkyrie’s Haven

487 Cynthiana Road

Paris, KY 40361

 2026 brings a 3 part Derby series to Kentucky, sponsored by Spokes & Spurs driving club. 

We welcome all participants!

 

Each Derby will be held in the indoor arena and consist of a course that includes both obstacle elements and cones.  Each participant will go 2 rounds with points being totaled for the Final Scores at each of the events.  Ribbons will be awarded in each class.  Classes for VSE, Pony, Horse, Para.   Divisions will be Training (no cantering) and Prelim/Open.   At the Final – Top 3 overall score totals will earn prize money in each Division (all classes within each division are included)

To qualify for Finals and be eligible for Prize Money, you must have at least 3 scores to add together at the end.  Therefore, you need to participate in at least 2 of the derby events.  Of course you are welcome to simply come to any and all for the fun!   All Divisions drive all gates, Standardized cone settings (ADS Rulebook)

Entry Cost $50

$25 goes into the Prize Money Pool for Finals

$25 goes to support Spokes & Spurs

Entries will open 30 days before the event and close 1 week before the event – details to be sent out with entry forms, waivers and request for equine health information.  Current coggins within 12 months; Flu/Rhino/EHV within 6 months, Health Cert out of state.

 2026 Driving Derby Series

Derby #2

June 27, 2026

Sponsored by Spokes & Spurs

At Charlottes’s Creek Farm

3176 Newtown Pike

Georgetown, KY 40324

 2026 brings a 3 part Derby series to Kentucky, sponsored by Spokes & Spurs driving club. 

We welcome all participants!

 

Each Derby will be held in the indoor arena and consist of a course that includes both obstacle elements and cones.  Each participant will go 2 rounds with points being totaled for the Final Scores at each of the events.  Ribbons will be awarded in each class.  Classes for VSE, Pony, Horse, Para.   Divisions will be Training (no cantering) and Prelim/Open.   At the Final – Top 3 overall score totals will earn prize money in each Division (all classes within each division are included)

To qualify for Finals and be eligible for Prize Money, you must have at least 3 scores to add together at the end.  Therefore, you need to participate in at least 2 of the derby events.  Of course you are welcome to simply come to any and all for the fun!   All Divisions drive all gates, Standardized cone settings (ADS Rulebook)

Entry Cost $50

$25 goes into the Prize Money Pool for Finals

$25 goes to support Spokes & Spurs

Entries will open 30 days before the event and close 1 week before the event – details to be sent out with entry forms, waivers and request for equine health information.  Current coggins within 12 months; Flu/Rhino/EHV within 6 months, Health Cert out of state.

2026 Driving Derby Series

Derby #3 – Final

July 25, 2026

Sponsored by Spokes & Spurs

At Valkyrie’s Haven

487 Cynthiana Road

Paris, KY 40361

 2026 brings a 3 part Derby series to Kentucky, sponsored by Spokes & Spurs driving club. 

We welcome all participants!

 

Each Derby will be held in the indoor arena and consist of a course that includes both obstacle elements and cones.  Each participant will go 2 rounds with points being totaled for the Final Scores at each of the events.  Ribbons will be awarded in each class.  Classes for VSE, Pony, Horse, Para.   Divisions will be Training (no cantering) and Prelim/Open.   At the Final – Top 3 overall score totals will earn prize money in each Division (all classes within each division are included)

To qualify for Finals and be eligible for Prize Money, you must have at least 3 scores to add together at the end.  Therefore, you need to participate in at least 2 of the derby events.  Of course you are welcome to simply come to any and all for the fun!   All Divisions drive all gates, Standardized cone settings (ADS Rulebook)

Entry Cost $50

$25 goes into the Prize Money Pool for Finals

$25 goes to support Spokes & Spurs

Entries will open 30 days before the event and close 1 week before the event – details to be sent out with entry forms, waivers and request for equine health information.  Current coggins within 12 months; Flu/Rhino/EHV within 6 months, Health Cert out of state.

2026 Educational Clinic

You Be The Judge

Mary Ruth Marks

ADS Licensed Judge

April 4, 2026

Sponsored by

Spokes and Spurs

At Valkyrie’s Haven

Potluck Lunch and Learn

Come join the fun with fellow horse and driving enthusiasts to expand your experience and knowledge. 

First in a series of interactive clinics with traditional Potluck lunch (with the option to bring a dish or purchase)

 Have you wondered what the Judge looks for in a dressage test?  What do the comments really mean and how is the score arrived at?  You will judge dressage right alongside an expert.  Then see how your scores look next to theirs and have the opportunity to get your questions asked and answered about the differences.  Fun for all and no pressure venue to query the judge!

Clinic will begin about 9 am followed by a Potluck luncheon around noon.  Potluck meals are a driving tradition – everyone brings something to share!  Specifics about Clinicians and Schedules will be in the club newsletter we get nearer.  Sign ups for potluck will happen the week before the event.

2026 Educational Clinic

Sterling Graburn

Trainer/Navigator

Be the Backstep!

Learn to Navigate

July 11, 2026

Sponsored by

Spokes and Spurs

At Valkyrie’s Haven

Potluck Lunch and Learn

Come join the fun with fellow horse and driving enthusiasts to expand your experience and knowledge. 

Second in a series of interactive clinics with traditional Potluck lunch (with the option to bring a dish or purchase

 What does a navigator do and can you do it?  Ever wonder how they know where to stand? When to lean? How to help avoid getting hung up on an obstacle?  Everyone will have the chance to give it a try as we practice on an indoor obstacle course using a marthon carriage pulled by an ATV.  Bring your friend or spouse – maybe they will be your next navigator.

Clinic will begin about 9 am followed by a Potluck luncheon around noon.  Potluck meals are a driving tradition – everyone brings something to share!  Specifics about Clinicians and Schedules will be in the club newsletter we get nearer.  Sign ups for potluck will happen the week before the event.

  

 

 

2026 Educational Clinic

Carrie Ostrowski-Place

Licensed Technical Delegate

Obstacles – See It –

Time It – Hold It

August 8, 2026

Sponsored by

Spokes and Spurs

At Valkyrie’s Haven

Potluck Lunch and Learn

Come join the fun with fellow horse and driving enthusiasts to expand your experience and knowledge. 

Third in a series of interactive clinics with traditional Potluck lunch (with the option to bring a dish or purchase

No need to panic – incoming equines and they can be very fast – lots going on and it’s your job to manage it.  And what if there is a hold?  And what if something gets knocked down?  And what if someone gets stuck and the groom gets down?  Who does what in an obstacle during an event?  Observers, judges & timers all have a job and you will learn what those are and how you can be large and in charge with confidence.

Clinic will begin about 9 am followed by a Potluck luncheon around noon.  Potluck meals are a driving tradition – everyone brings something to share!  Specifics about Clinicians and Schedules will be in the club newsletter we get nearer.  Sign ups for potluck will happen the week before the event.

Halloween at the Haven 2026

American Driving Society CT/DT

USEF CT and Short Format Driving Trial

 Running Concurrantly

October 23-25, 2026

We had so much fun last year we are doing it again!

 This fall we again welcome competitors from ADS and USEF in our first concurrant driving trials.  On Friday, October 23, we will be offering both ADS and USEF Combined Test competitions.  On Saturday/Sunday October 24-25, we are offering concurrant ADS and USEF driving trials.    As before, equines may enter only ONE of the driving trials with marathon, competitors may enter twice with different equines.   If you are not interested in marathon, you may enter the DT and retire after the dressage/cones phase.  Junior (under 18)  entries will be half price for CT and DT both organizations.

Course designer Keith Yutzy returns to make up a competitive and fun set of courses for both orgs and many levels of competitor.  Judges Teresa Bron and Lynn Legg (both now FEI judges as well as ADS and USEF) return as well as Marcie Quist as Technical Delegate (ADS/USEF/FEI).

And don’t forget we will have a Saturday night Halloween Party and dinner – costumes encouraged!  Competitor dinner ticket included with entry, additional tickets availble for purchase.

Entries will open On September 8 and close on October 9   Entry links will be here on this website for online entry to either event.  Emailed links will be sent to our list of previous competitors as well as posted on our FB page.

ADS Omnibus will be published in the WHIP, USEF Prize List will post to the USEF website.

To our wonderful volunteers – please come back and help and bring a friend!  Expect to get a more personal invitation via email as well.

 

Twisted L Horsemanship’s

Advanced Groundwork Series

with

Jessie Lunsford

Part 1 – Saturday March 21, 2026

AM Group  9am – 1 pm

PM Group 2 pm – 6 pm

Part 2 – Sunday March 22, 2026

AM Group 9 am – 1 pm

PM Group 2 pm – 6 pm

Pricing Per Group

Twisted L Horsemanship Online Members $150

Non-members $200

$35/day Audit

Contact Jessie Lunsford to Register

704-794-3508

 

Saturday Topics

Backing with Purpose

Yielding the Shoulder & Hindquarter

Sending By & Walking the Line

Unlocking the Poll & Jaw

In-Hand Collection

Leading by the Feet

Sunday Topics

Backing with Direction

In-Hand Pivots/Sholder Yield

In-Hand Sidepassing

Coming to the Mounting Block

Change of Eyes/Bend

Leading by the Ear

 Twisted L Horsemanship’s

 Green Horse Development Clinic

with

Jessie Lunsford

 April 18-19, 2026

10 am – 2 pm

$350 for the Weekend

$35/day Audit

 

 Contact Jessie Lunsford to Register

704-794-3508

  Day One:

Groundwork Essentials

Lateral Softness = Safety

Yielding the HQ

Forward is Your Friend

Setting Up Cruise Control

Day Two:

Developing Softness

Intro to Collection

Intro to Shoulder Control

Cadence & Self Carriage

Leaving the Arena

Halloween at the Haven 2025

American Driving Society CT/DT

USEF Short Format Driving Trial

October 24-26, 2025

 What a great event!

Fun Competition, Social Events and Getting so many friends together – How Can It Get Better?

 This year we welcomed competitors from ADS and USEF in consecutive driving trials.  Competitors were able to compete in ADS CT with dressage/cones on Friday and marathon on Saturday morning.   USEF competitors began dressage/cones on Saturday afternoon and competed in marathon on Sunday morning.   Dressage scoring from Judges Lynn Legg and Teresa Bron gave multiple scores and comments – available to all competitors at the end of the event.  Cones were technical and yielded just a few double clear drives in each event – well done drivers!  Marathon was fun and safe and well planned by Course Designer Keith Yutzy – lots of options and different pathways depending on the competitor level.  How great to see the new obstacles in use – with water and hills and bridges for challenge.

I can not be thankful enough for the collective group of experience that the officials brought to the party.  Judges Lynn Legg and Teresa Bron are licensed by both ADS and USEF.  Technical Delegates Carrie Ostrowski Place and Marcie Quist are both skilled competitors as well as technical officials.  And  Show Secretary Ann Katona and Volunteer Coordinator Laura Kunze are both experienced drivers and competitors, making it possible to manage this great mix of event paperwork and people that is necessary to hold both events in the same weekend.

My heroes – all of them.

To our wonderful volunteers – many returning again – what a brave group you are.  Thank you Thank you

Mark your calendars for October 23-25, 2026

 

Vehicles – Choices, Purpose & Evaluation

with

Sterling Graburn

Educational Driving Clinic Series

Part 3

July 26, 2025

 Once again a great turnout for this last of our three part educational series.  Sterling Graburn went the extra mile to give us a comprehensive talk on evaluating what type of driving you intend to do and how to chose the right vehicle and harness style to do it safely.   He demonstrated harness choices that can make a material difference in fit and function with combined with a vehicle.  He gave an overview of maintenance spots often overlooked but critical to safety.  A truly knowledgeable discussion and he fielded questions throughout.  Then we moved to the carriage room and Sterling went over about a dozen carriages in order to point out features that impact choice – both antique and competition – 2 and 4 wheel choices.                                                              Overview

Carts – 2 wheel vehicles

         Parts

         Functionality and Sizing

         Balance

         Safety

 Carriages – 4 wheel vehicles

     Presentation Vehicle – purpose and functionality

     Marathon Vehicle – functionality

     Antique Vehicle – safety

 Hitching –

         Header

         Ready to Hitch – Helmets, Vests, Whips, Gloves

         Safety Safety – no hitched vehicles without driver in control

         Demonstration – function, correct placement, adjustments

          

 Ground Driving

 with

Jacob Arnold

Educational Driving Clinic Series

Part 2

June 28, 2025

What a great turnout for this clinic – apparently this is a much needed skill!

Jacob Arnold and Sonia Williams gave a terrific demonstration of ground driving horse/pony as a conditioning and educational tool.  Jacobs horses are well trained and conditioned so they make it look a lot easier than it really is.  The demonstration included how to drag a tire behind  – for those just starting out and – SAFETY FIRST – looking to see if the equine objects.   Jacob gave a running commentary on what he was doing and why and answered questions from the group throughout.  Then we had time for attendees to practice a bit of ground driving on horses provided for the event – who were willing but not as “spicy” as Jacobs.

                                                           Overview

Equipment for Ground Driving

Benefits of using full harness to ground drive

          “when dressed to work…we work”

 Voice commands

          Carrying the whip, Gloves

          Safety

 The Ground Drive – Long Lines

Halt and Stand Exercise

Steering Obstacles – Cones, Serpentine, Tarps, Rails, Bridges

Backing Up

Hitching progression

 Travois poles – what will the shafts feel like

 Pulling Tires or Logs – adding some weight behind

 Helpers – benefits of a header

 Demonstration and Hands on Opportunity

2025 Horsemanship Series

Jessie Lunsford

 Twisted L Training

      

[email protected]/horse

Facebook Twisted L Horsemanship, LLC

   Join us for one or all three clinics.

                   Stabling Available 

                   Airbnb on site  

Harnessing

Carrie Ostrowski-Place

Educational Driving Clinic presented by Spokes & Spurs

                                at

                   Valkyrie’s Haven

              487 Cynthiana Road

                  Paris, KY 40361

Clinic 1 of 3

May 24, 2025

What a fantastic turnout we had with so many new faces!

Carrie did an amazing job of taking everyone through harness types and details.  Endlessly patient with all questions and interacting with all, she covered a lot of ground in a short time.  Following the “classroom” we stepped out into the arena and used a horse to demonstrate actually putting the harness on and how it relates to hitching to a vehicle.  Carrie then fielded questions and worked with attendees to discuss specifics about their harness issues.

Everyone expressed interest in returning for the ground driving clinic being held June 28 – see details here in Events                                                           Overview

Basic types of Harness

Leather vs Biothane   

Fancy Show versus Performance    

Cleaning, Care, Storage       

Resources – Where and how to order

Measurement and Fit

Measure Chart – how to measure for harness

Adjustments while harnessing

Safety  Safety Safety

Tips – harness hanging nearby, cross ties, nose buckle halters, etc.

A bit about bits – basic driving bits  

Hands on opportunity to harness

Driving Derby

They Came out and Played!

Saturday, May 10, 2025

Valkyrie’s Haven

487 Cynthiana Road

Paris, KY 40361

The group had a blast playing games for fun.

The Dressage by the Letters, where drivers did a cones course by passing through the dressage arena in alphabetical order.  It pays to know your dressage ring setup!

Lunch was provided by Spokes and Spurs – a chance to socialize and go out and walk the indoor driving derby course.

The indoor driving course was a mix of  fanciful obstacles interspersed with numbered cones and all done with timing.

Scroll through the photos above.  Reviews were VERY enthusiastic and based on this will probably bring a 2026 derby series.