Frequently Asked Questions
Who Are We?
The North Texas Whip is a pleasure driving club that was founded in January 1996 by Kathy Atchley and Donna Hornsby. The purpose of the club is to bring local driving enthusiasts together to promote the sport of pleasure driving. At the end of 1996, the club boasted over 75 members (including some in Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, and New Jersey). Now, more than 10 years later, the club maintains over 100 members, and is affilitated with the American Driving Society and the Carriage Association of America.
What does the North Texas Whip do?
In its first year of existence, the club held a driving clinic, a country-road pleasure drive, and a mini-CDE; plus arranged for a local facility to hold two pleasure driving shows. The club now has several established annual events for everyone to enjoy including its signature event, the NTW Sunrise Ridge ADS Driving Trial and Clinic. In addition to these enjoyable events, the club also hosts learning clinics, pleasure drives and social activities as set up by volunteer members within the organization. The North Texas Whip publishes a monthly newsletter, which offers driving articles, a calendar of driving events, member news, classified ads, and local show results.
Is the North Texas Whip affiliated with any one breed?
No! The club is open to anyone and any breed of horse, and all events are specified as such. You'll see a little bit of everything at NTW events; our members have everything from miniature horses and donkeys to all kinds of ponies and horses, including draft breeds.
Do I need my own horse and cart to be a member?
No! Anyone interested in driving is encouraged to join. If you want to take driving lessons or have your horse trained to drive, the NTW can refer you to professional trainers. Or you can attend the events as a spectator to show your support, or even better, volunteer to help at a NTW function. You'll learn a lot and make some new friends at the same time!
How do I join?
Annual membership dues are only $20. This entitles you to one voting membership, free classified ad listings in the newsletter and on the Club web site, and a year's worth of information-packed monthly newsletters. Just simply fill out our online membership application or download the pdf version and mail it in along with your dues.
Do you subscribe to the online Carriage Driving List?
If you don't, you really should. It is a list of questions, comments, suggestions, tips, etc. from drivers all over the world (including some big-name people and judges) that is emailed to you. You can ask questions, put in your two cents, or just read and get great ideas! There are over 1800 subscribers from 15 countries! Talk about a great resource! It's easy to use and easy to join. Just go to www.carriagedriving.net and sign up.