Introducing Our
Equi Partner
Sterling D.B. Graburn
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Sterling is head trainer at Gayla Driving Center, and operated Kingsforth Hall Training Center. The Gayla Driving Center family would love to introduce you to the pace of yesterday's world, learning the art of carriage driving. We pride ourselves in attaining the highest level of training and instruction. Safety and confidence are of the utmost importance. Everyone is welcome at our facilities!
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Gayla Driving Center, beautiful Georgetown, Kentucky
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Sterling's Tips
#1 Look up! Even more than riders, drivers tend to look at their horses rather than ahead where they are going. Wether in the dressage ring, the show ring or a hazard, looking where you are going will help you get there! Circles become rounder, transitions are more accurate, turns become smoother when the driver is looking ahead rather than at the horse.
#2 The Turnout Think about the when, where, why of the outfit to drive. Remember that traditionally, one dressed for the season, for the activity, the weather, and time of day. One did not dress to match the paint on the carriage, the upholstery, or the color of the horse. Wearing a black jacket, black hat, black apron makes one look funeral, not formal. When our ancestors said that our laprobes should match or compliment the upholstery on the carriage, they had no idea we would be smothering our carriages with black vinyl!! Remember that the apron or laprobe is a carriage appointment, not an article of clothing. It should protect your clothing, suit the season and the vehicle, and in no way inhibit the driver. Leave it on the carriage when walking the cones course.
#3 Ladies, those little elastic strings on your hats are to be worn around the back of your head under your hair. Under the chin is not an attractive look for anyone! Men and women should vary their outfits when showing. Same outfit every day, very boring. Gentlemen can get away with the same jacket, but at least try for a little variety from morning to evening or perhaps a different tie at least. Ladies, would you wear the exact same outfit out for dinner two days in a row, or to work, or anywhere?
#4 Be safe AND have fun! If you pay attention to a few safety details, your chances of having fun increase! Basic things, like checking your carriage for loose bolts, broken parts, functionality of brakes are easy to check and help ensure a safe drive. When mounting the carriage, ensure that the horse is not likely to move, either through training or assistance or best of all, both. Grasp the reins in a normal driving grip, not in a wad that must be sorted out before steering is possible. Adjust the reins in your hand so when you are seated, you can immediately take control of your horse.
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Team Sterling in Action Breyerfest 2011 |
Did you know Sterling's other passion besides driving at mock speed is..."I like to listen to audio books downloaded to my smartphone. When traveling, it helps pass the time and keep me awake! I'm a big Blues fan but listen to various other types of music as well. You might find me listening to Stevie Ray Vaughn and then the Wicked Tinkers (celtic, bagpipes). I also like to travel and tend to like the off beaten path, non tourist type of traveling, seeing the real people and places." Sterling