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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                           CONTACT: Bridgitt Zielke

July 7, 2016                                                                                                  (920)526-3271 

 

LEARN TO DRIVE (A TEAM OF HORSES)

AT WADE HOUSE

 

     Greenbush - On Saturdays, July 23, August 13 and September 10 from 8:45 a.m. to 11 a.m., Wade House historic site in Greenbush will be hosting a beginner's hands-on carriage driving class titled "Learn to Drive (A Team of Horses)". Class participants will learn the basics of carriage driving including preparing a horse for harness, harnessing a horse, hitching a team to a vehicle, driving horses with the use of proper vocal and rein commands, and maintaining control of the horse.
     Wade House's "Learn to Drive (A Team of Horses)" is a one day class,
Learn to Drive (A Team of Horses) at Wade House.  Class participants will learn the basics of carriage driving including harnessing a horse, hitching a team to a vehicle and commanding horses by voice and with reins.
which will last for approximately eight hours. From 8:45 a.m. to 11 a.m. an instructor will teach the basics of carriage driving and from noon to 5 p.m. participants will get a chance to ride with seasoned Wade House drivers to gain additional experience. The course will be taught by Wade House teamster Gary Sellen, a seasoned horse owner and driver, whose experience includes participation in several wagon trains as well as "antique farming" with horses.
     "Learn to Drive (A Team of Horses)" will begin with participants getting accustomed to the horses, and the horses getting accustomed to the students, an important first step since many students can initially be intimidated by draft horses. This step will involve rounding up the horses as well as brushing and combing them.
     After the horses are brushed and cleaned, students will learn about harness function and proper adjustment. Once these details are covered, an instructor will demonstrate the best way to harness a draft horse. After the demonstration, participants will get a chance to place a harness, collar and pad on a draft horse as well as adjust hames and check the bridle.  
     After harnessing, students will get hands-on experience hitching a team of horses to a carriage or wagon. Once the horses are hitched, participants will focus on driving basics such as verbal and rein commands. Students will learn the vocal commands that are a major part of controlling horses and the preferred method of directing the horse. Participants will also become familiar with rein commands, a secondary method of controlling horses.
     Learn to Drive (A Team of Horses) costs $125 per person and includes lunch. No membership discounts apply for this class. We limit the class size to four. Advance reservations are required. If you have any questions about the program or would like to reserve a spot, please call Jim Willaert at 920-526-3271.
     The Wade House historic site is one of 12 Wisconsin Historical Society historic sites and museums. For more information, please call 920-526-3271 or visit www.wadehouse.org.
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