As a child I grew up on a farm in Northeast Ohio. I am one of 5 children.Growing up my mother was the farmer of the family, believe it or not, a very hard worker, she loved the idea of raising her children on a farm. My father told me my mother worn out 2 teams of draft horses one day as she worked the fields. Farming in those days was tough, we grew corn, wheat, alfalfa, oats, timothy seed, bailed their own hay and straw. We had chickens, pigs, beef cattle, milk cows. The farm fed our family well. I believe my mother was the very first multi-tasker, she could do it all! Perhaps the first truly liberated woman in those days.

I remember coming home from school, it was auction day at the local auction barn, mother never missed a live cattle auction, as I entered the barn there stood the most adorable black and white Shetland pony, he stood tall and proud as our eyes met, I named him King! I remember mother leading King out to the pasture and handing me his lead line as she marched out of the pasture, leaving me alone with my new pony. Standing at the other end of the lead, I squinted up at a fat black and white body slung between two sets of shaggy legs with a tail that swept the ground at one end and dark narrowed eyes under thick lashes at the other. It was like leaving me alone with a chain saw. I knew I was in mortal danger, but I was holding a horse, my very first horse! The best thing that had ever happened to me in my childhood days. The days of living on the farm have now passed, but I have many treasured memories and never forget the love my mother had for her draft horses and I had for that little pony.

King

Photography by Pam Hamlin

North American Spotted Draft formed in 1995 to register, preserve and promote draft horses with pinto spotting, and to increase public awareness of these beautiful and rare horses.
Christine Eller Lessons and Training
Just for fun!
Wanted
Good man able to wax carriage, clean harness, polish silver and groom horse. Must have own horse and carriage. Please send photo of your horse and carriage! -Ms. Linda-
Ms. Linda Needs your Help!
"Help me Challenge the Limits of Disability"
Ms. Linda's needs your
help in raising money to purchase a wheelchair
accessible carriage. Ms. Linda wants to be the
first to provide access for people
with disabilities to enjoy a day on the farm.
. Any foundation or private trust interested in
donating or learning more about
"Access to Adventure " please email or call Ms.
Linda. With your support she will be able to
provide fun,access to nature and much needed
recreation for people who might not otherwise
get the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors
and the love and healing only horses can provide .
Call 330-801-9500
Ohio Revised code 4549.01
Did you know that according to Ohio Revised code 4549.01, a motor vehicle is required to stop when signaled by horse-drawn vehicle or horse rider?  The law states: (A) No person while operating a motor vehicle shall fail to slow down and stop the vehicle when signalled to do so upon meeting or overtaking a horse-drawn vehicle or person on horseback and to remain stationary until the vehicle or person has passed, provided the signal to stop is given in good faith, under circumstances of necessity, and only as often and for that length of time as is required for the vehicle or person to pass, whether it is approaching from the front or rear. (B) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor on a first offense and a misdemeanor of the fourth degree on each subsequent offense.
A Hitch-in-Time Moment
The Victoria Carriage was named after Queen Victoria who wore elegant dresses which she wanted everyone to see, however, she did not want to see the people, therefore the design of the carriage enabled the people to see only her elegant and beautiful dresses. Source - Larry Smith
The Truth about the "Red Sleigh"
We grew up thinking the red sleigh was a vehicle Santa used to deliver presents to the children during Christmas. The fact is, during the carriage era of the 1800's, the sleigh was used as a vehicle of choice during the long winter months. As January and February drew long and dark, the sleigh drivers would paint their sleighs "Red" to brighten up their spirits! Sorry Santa, the "Red Sleigh" had nothing to do with Christmas! Now you know! Source: Larry Smith

 

If you want to help my profession, take a carriage ride! Your fare supports the care and well-being of all carriage horses. Please remember to support your local horse rescue that cares for homeless horses in your area who are not as fortunate as I am.

I am happy, a well-cared-for carriage horse and I am a "BEAUTIFUL HORSE"!

DM Bingo has a splendid disposition and an easy temperament. He exhibits a ready willingness to work and has great endurance a known as "heart," which is well known. Spotted Draft horses are used for agricultural work, pleasure driving, parades, commercial carriages, showing, logging and riding.He is also trained to be a riding horse. I am a member of the Cuyahoga County Council of the Ohio Horseman's Council an organization dedicated to preserving the riding trails in all the beautiful area Metroparks.DM Bingo loves both adults and children and works well in social events. He demonstrates total respect for all. I tell everyone...."All I pay my psychiatrist is the cost of feed and hay, and he'll listen to me all day".

Whoa, Meet my Therapist!

In 2005 at a young age of 16, Joe Alan Yoder, Middlefield, Ohio started working with DM Bingo, a 2 year old gelding. Joe Alan is pictured with Monty Roberts, "a man who listens to horses". Joe studied Monty's techniques and training methods, as a result, DM Bingo's gentle spirit has never been broken by cruel and unnecessary training techniques. Joe Alan has been called a local horse whisperer. When DM Bingo finished his schooling, I asked Joe to teach me how to drive, he responded and said; "just sit in the carriage and let DM Bingo show you what he's learned". I found he was ready and eager to work, he knew left from right, and stopped when he saw a stop sign with little effort. I soon realized DM Bingo was one of a kind. We communicate and work as a team. My friend Dave Antes says; "DM Bingo takes real good care of you Linda ". I can't explain it any better than that!

In November of 2007, the Ohio Farm and Diary ran a feature story on Joe Alan. Click Here to read the full story. Joe Alan still continues to train horses and can be reached at 440-537-6872.

Got a wedding anniversary coming up! Surprise engagement? . Reserve now! 330-801-9500

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