DDC Members News

Join the DDC Star * Member Program

There are so many dedicated drivers with lots of experience in the DDC, that the board of directors has put forward the new and fun Star Member Program.  Please read over and plan to “STAR” this year and in years to come. -- Andy Halbach, program chair

Purpose of the program :

To give those members who invest time and energy into the sport of driving positive recognition as a member of DDC.  This would also allow new and inexperienced members to identify those experienced members for networking.

How the program would work:

If you decide to join the program you need to keep track of your horse driving activities.  There is a Star Program Log Sheet to use if you wish, or just use a calendar.

 
   

Each year when you renew your DDC membership, you would, on the membership form, identify if you qualified as a “Star Member” for the previous year.  The membership list on the web site would post a “Star” [*] by your name.  If you have a family membership one or more of the family members must meet the qualifications. This years’ “stars” will be posted early in 2012.

Program qualifications:

To qualify you would have to meet one of the following during the last driving season with an equine driven unit.

 
   

Drive more than 50 miles (accumulation for the year)

Drive for more than 25 hours (accumulation for the year)

   Attend and drive at three or more DDC scheduled events

   Attend and drive at two or more ADS events

   Attend and drive at three horse events (open shows, parades, sleigh rally, traditional day of driving, field days,  County or State Fairs, clinic lessons, etc.)

Facebook:

Members are encouraged to report their progress during the season on the DDC Facebook site [coming soon] or provide notes and pictures to the newsletter editor.

Star Prize at Annual Meeting:

At the annual meeting we will be asking all the “Star” members who are renewing their membership to have their names put in the hat for a drawing.  Someone will win the fun Star Prize!

Driving Fool Award:

We will also ask “star members” who was the most EXTREME driver (such as, drove horses more the 1,000 miles, drove 365 days that year) and they would be the DRIVING FOOL award winner.  This will certainly be a fun addition to the annual meeting.

Goal :   To have 50%  or more of the DDC members rated as “STARS”.

For more information, contact program chair Andy Halbach at 608-296-2101 or andyhalbach@hotmail.com

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DDC members enjoy many types of horse driving activities.  They also may receive special recognition for various achievements.  Sometimes there is sad news to share.  Members are encouraged to share these events and accolades and send photos and announcements to Jane Licht - jlicht@sprynet.com

COLUMBUS SLEIGH RALLY

DDC members attended the first ADS sanctioned Sleigh Rally in Wisconsin in February, 2011.  Congratulations to Wes Licht who won the "Currier and Ives" class, to Ingrid Krause who won the cones class, and to Howard Kietzke who won the pleasure driving class.  Below is a photo of Wes driving his Morab mare Windmere Lady Omega.

 

WALNUT HILL

DDC members Myrna Rhinehart and Mallory Gorman participated in the Walnut Hill Carriage Classic at Pittsford, New York in August, 2010.  Walnut Hill is the larges carriage competition in the United States with over 200 turnouts in 20 divisions. Both of these ladies did very well in their respective divisions.

Myrna Reinhart and son Kyle at Walnut Hill.  Myrna drove her miniature horse Alax.

Mallory Gorman driving her Hackney Pony Gadgit.  Nancy Nelson is her groom.

Here is a link to more photos of Mallory.

                                     

 WEDDING NEWS

Congratulations are in order to long time DDC member Theresa Burns and her husband Harley Weyer who were married on January 23rd, 2010, in Perry, Iowa.  Who gave away the bride?  None other than long time DDC member Howard Kietzke!  Theresa and Harley's new address, phone and email are in our DDC directory.

                                           
 
MEMORIAL – KRISTI TEIGEN
 
By Jane Licht
 
Kristi Teigen passed away on November 13, 2009. She was an American Driving Society life member and a member of the Dairyland Driving Club since 1998.
 
Kristi’s love of horses began early in her childhood. She was just a young girl when she hooked her pony to a toboggan and discovered she loved driving as well as riding.    Kristi lived with husband Scott on a farm next to Glenwood City, Wisconsin, where she did the daily chores and Scott, who was employed off the farm, helped as he could.  They raised beef cattle, a menagerie of other livestock, and raised and trained Morgan-Thoroughbred crosses.
 
Kristi and Scott groomed for Ned and Becky Hahn for the Wisconsin Sesquicentennial Coach Run from Madison to Prairie du Chien in 1998.  When it was not Ned’s turn to drive the roof seat brake, Kristi and Scott drove their pair of horses hitched to a wagonette.  They both enjoyed getting to know all the folks involved in this grand endeavor as well as the horses and driving.  After the Coach Run, the Teigens decided to join Dairyland Driving Club and Kristi became an ADS life member.
 
A couple years ago, Kristi and Scott ordered a shooting brake from some Amish in Pennsylvania. But there were major problems getting it completed and then obtaining the Brewster undercarriage. Then in December of 2008, Kristi was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.  Finally, the vehicle arrived in October, 2009.  On November 7, even though she had not been able to eat any food for days, somehow Kristi found the strength and determination to drive.  Scott brought her out in her wheelchair and with help, carefully set her in the driver’s seat. Kristi took the reins and they drove for 45 minutes with Kristi loving every minute.  Scott felt like he was witnessing a miracle.
 
The entire community and then some came out to pay respects to Kristi.  Over 1500 attended her visitation.  For her celebration of life service, the shooting brake was lovingly positioned in front of the church and an Albany sleigh was brought into the sanctuary.  These beautiful horse-drawn vehicles seemed such a fitting tribute to Kristi’s love of working and playing with vigor and enthusiasm.  Though Kristi died far too young at age 60, she lived her life very well.  Our sympathy and best wishes go to Scott and the rest of her family and many friends. 
 
Ned Hahn is driving his team for the Wisconsin Sesquicentennial Coach Run from Madison to Prairie du Chien in 1998.  Next to him is Scott Teigen and behind Scott is his wife Kristi Teigen.  Bob Bean is sounding the horn.  Becky Hahn is seated next to Kristi.  Ned and Becky could have never done this without the help of Kristi and Scott.

  

 April 5, 2009 - Carlo and Ingrid Kraus hosted a party at Quivy's Grove.  Many DDC members were in attendance.

Photos were taken of some of the DDC members attending the party.

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March 17, 2009 - Long time DDC member Harry Radtke died.  Here is a tribute to Harry:

 

 

 

 

IN REMEMBRANCE OF HARRY RADTKE
By Roger Houk
 
I received the phone call from Carol Pasbrig with the news of Harry's passing and felt the loss.
For the past fourteen years, it seemed Harry and Marilyn were always there; at the Fun Drives, at the Columbus and Villa Louis shows, the DOC board meetings, the annual dinner meetings and at Old World Wisconsin.
 
The first fond memory is of that famous wide Radtke smile of warm welcome and the friendly handshake. I remember the truck and trailer pulling into the parking area somewhere hauling their beautiful Fjord and prized vehicles. I remember the drives where we gathered to share a simple lunch and solved the world's problems. I remember the laughter, oh, the laughter as Harry quipped about current events. I remember the jokes; lots and lots of jokes! I remember the stories about the adventures of buying horses in Canada and discovering treasured vehicles. I remember Harry, as passenger, while Marilyn drove the grounds of Baptist Center in their beautifully restored Trap; smiling and enjoying the day filled with sunshine and friendship.
 
I remember their vegetable wagon and the perfect costumes as they drove at Old World Wisconsin. The OWW staff still talks about that image which became a calendar picture.  I remember Larry Schultz's painting which captured the charm of Harry and Marilyn. I remember the Picnic Class at Villa Louis that always displayed the Radtke touch. I remember the first time I saw their Tub Cart. I watched Harry and Marilyn beam with pride as their daughter Liesel and their golden-haired grandson showed at Villa Louis.
 
I remember the day Harry joked about being locked into the Old World Wisconsin parking lot after the park closed. He asked the Security people if they'd, "Ever broken up a senior citizen drinking party?" Bob Wolfe can supply further details to that story! I remember the wild ride at the Didier's grounds which Harry described as a minor incident in an other-wise fun-filled day. I remember a wrong turn which delayed this adventurous couple for 2 1/2 hours. According to Harry, "This short detour took us to places we had never seen."
 
I remember an overflowing parking lot. A church filled beyond capacity with family and friends to memorialize and celebrate this respected man. As I watched the video, I once again saw the famous Radtke smile. The photo of a sleigh loaded with children and his bride seemed to reflect Harry’s spirit and a life well lived. I remember Harry’s pride in the family business which will continue to grow under his children's care.
  
I'll remember Harry.

 

 

 

Harry and Marilyn in 2006 at the 25th anniversary show for the NFHR (Norwegian Fjord Horse Registry) in Winona, MN.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Congratulations to Valerie Dingman, the ADS Pleasure Driving Junior Champion!  Valerie won the Junior division at the 2008 Villa Louis Carriage Classic, and was the champion for the limited preliminary division at Iron Horse CDE last year. Below is a photo of Valerie driving her horse Smokey at the VLCC.

 

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2008 - DDC Members at the 3-Gaits 4th of July Horse Show

Kyle Rhinehart is driving his Miniature Horse Patriot in the Scurry at the 3-Gaits 4th of July Horse Show held at the 3-Gaits Therapeutic Horsemanship Center near Stoughton, Wisconsin.  Each year, DDC member Wes Licht organizes and judges the fun driving classes.  Quite a number of the competitors are DDC members.  At six years old, Kyle was the youngest participant this year.  Kyle and his dad Chad also participated in the Double Jeopardy Class where they won first place.  Congratulations to Kyle and Chad!

 

 2008 - DDC Members at the Gayla CDE in Georgetown, Kentucky 

 

Betsy Freiburger, whip, and her navigator Deb Bevan, rounding a turn in the water hazard at the Gala CDE on May 18, 2008.  Photo by Nancy Nelson.

   

  

Mallory Gorman and Gadget, taking a break and talking to Deb Bevan while waiting their turn in the dressage ringe at the Gayla CED, May 17, 2008.  Photo by Nancy Nelson.

 

2008 - Roger Houk is named Superintendant of the Year

Out & A Roger Houk Roger Houk and David Grayson, both of C.G. Schmidt, were named superintendent of the year and project manager of the year, respectively. This is the first time each has been honored by ASAWI.

The American Subcontractors Association of Wisconsin (ASAWI) recently presented its annual awards for the best general contractor, architect, engineer, project manager, and superintendent, as voted by members of ASAWI.

All of the award winners were recognized for work on renovation of the Milwaukee Intermodal Station, a project that ASAWI cites for being particularly smooth, efficient and well coordinated, with fair contracts, prompt payments, effective management, and excellent cooperation.

Founded in 1986, ASAWI has been presenting the awards since 1990.

    

 

2008 - Wes Licht is in the ADS Wheelhorse

Out & A Wes Licht

 Wes Licht is the "Mystery Member" in the American Driving Society's Wheelhorse newsletter recently published to the ADS website.  For the entire article, go to Wheelhorse, May, 2008