by Pam Gamble
The Nashoba Carriage Association hosted Bill Lower for a driving clinic at Kimberlin Farms May 14-16, his second time in less than a year's time. Kimberlin Farms in Olive Branch, MS hosted the Saturday-Monday clinic during a cooler than average mid May. Early morning participants were in heavy jackets and long johns and most spectators and the clinician warmed up with a hot cup of coffee.
Bill quickly evaluated each horse or pony. Were they bitted correctly? Were they being driven properly for their level? One draft horse had started his vertical flexion, but needed to be on the bit more. Bill gave Pam Gamble circular exercises to put her gray Percheron, Rebel on the bit. “It just takes time, but he’s right there,” Bill said. One pony was tense and needed to stretch across her top line. Bill gave the whip (driver) exercises for her to work on for the next couple of months to supple her pony. Each horse and driver came away challenged and determined.
Bill’s wife Sherri brought her hats and an accessory boutique to the clinic. It was a great opportunity to talk to someone who is considered an expert in the “turnout” of the horse and carriage.
Bill's driving career spans 37 years, and includes the USET 1981 National Four-In-Hand Championships and USET's 1990 National Pairs Championships. Bill was selected to represent the U. S. in the 1987 World Pairs Championships. He conducts clinics throughout the U.S. and Canada, and resides with his wife Sherri in Williston, FL.
Look for the driving classes early in the evening, Tuesday and Thursday night of the Germantown Charity Horse Show.
The Nashoba Carriage Association hosted Bill Lower for a driving clinic at Kimberlin Farms May 14-16, his second time in less than a year's time. Kimberlin Farms in Olive Branch, MS hosted the Saturday-Monday clinic during a cooler than average mid May. Early morning participants were in heavy jackets and long johns and most spectators and the clinician warmed up with a hot cup of coffee.
Bill quickly evaluated each horse or pony. Were they bitted correctly? Were they being driven properly for their level? One draft horse had started his vertical flexion, but needed to be on the bit more. Bill gave Pam Gamble circular exercises to put her gray Percheron, Rebel on the bit. “It just takes time, but he’s right there,” Bill said. One pony was tense and needed to stretch across her top line. Bill gave the whip (driver) exercises for her to work on for the next couple of months to supple her pony. Each horse and driver came away challenged and determined.
Bill’s wife Sherri brought her hats and an accessory boutique to the clinic. It was a great opportunity to talk to someone who is considered an expert in the “turnout” of the horse and carriage.
Bill's driving career spans 37 years, and includes the USET 1981 National Four-In-Hand Championships and USET's 1990 National Pairs Championships. Bill was selected to represent the U. S. in the 1987 World Pairs Championships. He conducts clinics throughout the U.S. and Canada, and resides with his wife Sherri in Williston, FL.
Look for the driving classes early in the evening, Tuesday and Thursday night of the Germantown Charity Horse Show.
