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Monday 9am - 5pm Tuesday 9am - 5pm Wednesday 9am - 5pm Thursday 9am - 5pm Friday 9am - 5pm Saturday 9am - 5pm

Focus Forward Driving Center

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United States
Louisa, VA
Focus Forward Driving Center

Located in Central, Virginia. It is our goal to provide support, education and facilities to further the success and sustainability of carriage driving.

08/16/2024

Call us to schedule fall training and tune ups!
We are starting the 6 week countdown to Garden Sate CDE and the training and prelim USEF championships!

08/13/2024

Lots of ponies of every shape, size and color! Jelly Bean and Huck are back and will work into the lesson rotations. The minis are all getting lots of miles and enjoying the woods trail. Rocky graduated and headed home today.
Now is the time to reserve your stall for fall training! We are already booked for September, and taking deposits for oct-dec!

08/09/2024

New lease options!
Available for on site lease at FFDC in Louisa, VA.
Harness, carriages, tack/equipment included.
All of these equines have been a core part of our program for 4-5 years! They are all proven lesson and competition horses. We are offering partial on site lease options this fall/winter for people who want to gain more experience or try their hand at competition without the full investment of purchasing an equine and all of the equipment.
Partial lease fee would be $400/month. This would include a weekly half hour lesson and up to 3 independent drives a week. (4 days a week, flexible on schedule).

Cokie: 37” mini mare that has done it all! Pleasure show, CDE, derby, single, pair, team, tandem, you name it. Very safe and sane in and out of the arena. Fit and ready for the trails, alone or in a group. She is forgiving and easy for a beginner driver, but also very fun and will canter and do more advanced moves when asked. Cokie also enjoys in hand work and has done obstacles/jumping/4H in the past. She’s a smart girl that meets you at the gate, likes to work, and enjoys being loved on.

Mystic: 37” mini gelding. Mystic has been in a pair and tandem with cokie as well as in the lead of a team. He travels well to events and is reliable at home or away. Very much the same description as Cokie, but can be a bit on the lazy side. He’s very willing once he’s is told to go to work. Safe and uncomplicated for someone who wants to gain experience and time in the carriage.

Huck: 14.2 hand Arabian gelding. Huck is a lovely RIDE and/or DRIVE. Under saddle he has competed in endurance and dressage, as well as introduced to mounted archery. He is a forward horse, but very easy to rate for a rider with some experience or someone who likes to go along all day. He has been driven everywhere. Loves the trails! Has done derbies, CDE, pleasure shows, and elaborate costume classes. He’s one of the most fun horses in the barn and is a very good teacher because he is very honest about doing what is asked.

Duke: 15.1 hand Dutch gelding. Duke has been the cornerstone of our lesson program as well as my personal competition horse, and a schoolmaster for many other drivers getting started in CDE competition. He has all the buttons, but is also very happy to just stroll around the farm teaching beginners the ways of driving. He is very steady in his paces, and enjoys going to work! He’s a big moving horse, but is very good at matching his speed and gaits to the drivers requirements.

Jelly Bean: 12.2 hand chunky pinto pony mare. Jelly has been with FFDC off and on over the past 3 years. She is a forward and fun mare who is all business when driving. She came from Amish roots and she knows how to trot all day! She has done lessons with us as well as one CDE before she was sent out on a long term lease. While away she did some pleasure shows and the pleasure drive at Devon! She’s a bold and reliable pony with a heart of gold. She has rejoined our program this month and is getting fit. She’s a great option for competitions this fall and winter! She is also started under saddle if there’s a petite person looking for a forward trail mount!

08/07/2024

Fred is just finishing three months with Sam as an introduction to ridden dressage work. He seems to have really enjoyed it and is still looking for a new home! He will be back at FFDC next week, and we plan to continue his ridden education. He is a lovely ride and drive Dutch gelding. 15.1 hands. 15yrs old. Lots of experience and milage as a CDE horse, and now has a handful of ridden dressage schooling shows under his belt as well. Sound, barefoot, UTD on everything, lifetime USEF # and FEI passport. Contact us for more information!

08/02/2024

Does anyone in our group have a two wheel cart to fit a 16h horse. I’m looking for something to borrow for 2-3 weeks to transition an off track standardbred to pulling more weight before I step up to the 4 wheel marathon vehicle.

07/30/2024

It doesn’t get any cuter than this! They don’t look too excited for their morning workout given the heat and humidity, but the minis have all been making great progress this summer. We are about to send 2 home and get two new littles in for training this August.

07/19/2024

The mini gang is growing in numbers and fans! Mystic and Cokie have been doing a number of lessons. Blueberry and Simba are doing awesome with their training. Dusty, with Justine, are working towards fall competition goals. And Zaccheus is getting a tune up before he goes to a new home. We look forward to welcoming back Maui and Kate soon! And have a few more minis joining the mini gang for training.

07/11/2024

The end of the storm. SO Thankful for the rain! 🙏🏻

07/09/2024

In search of:
-B size mini harness
-single or pair(preferred)
-Yonies or comfyfit
-synthetic only
-willing to ship to VA

Show me what you have, before I cave and order new!

07/09/2024

With today’s projected heat index of nearly 110*, everyone is getting a well deserved day off. They seem pretty content in their stalls with fresh water, fans and food! What more could they want? Added water to feed, electrolytes, and Purina Replenimash are essentials for days like today!
Everyone stay safe and cool! 😎
Picture of the heavy haze and humidity at 6am. Horses were already sweating! 🥵

07/09/2024

It’s been a busy few days. Early mornings and late nights to beat the heat.

07/08/2024

Introducing “Admire”. He made the long 16hr trip down from northern VT with me on Friday. He’s an off the track standardbred that is here to start his next driving career. This guy will be available to the right home once he has settled into pleasure driving. Admire has a huge stride, a very sweet personality, and calm demeanor so far. Aside from thinking VA is hot, he’s loving the TLC.

07/04/2024

Wishing everyone a very Happy Independence Day!

07/04/2024

I’m in search of a few things for the new farm that I hope someone might have hanging around for a bargain. If you have any of these used items please let me know! Thanks!

-white PVC fence boards to start making our dressage arena corners. (We have the blocks to hold them)

-lightweight arena drag/section of chain link fence.

-peg board for hanging and organizing bits in the tack room

-trailer water tank, or any large water tanks(to put on truck for watering pasture troughs).

-more pasture water tubs, large Rubbermaid type preferred.

-used T posts and electric fence supplies, as well as temporary step in posts.

-metal farm gates, any length or color, preferably decent condition, willing to paint.

-solar fence chargers in good condition.

06/29/2024

Anyone need anything moved from central VA to CT,MA,VT or NY? Leaving VA on Tuesday morning, returning to VA from northern VT on Friday.

06/22/2024

Thanks to everyone who braved the heat to come out and visit today! We had an abundance of ice cream, fruit and toppings. Some of the ponies embraced the “social” part of an ice cream social, while others napped through the whole party. 🎉

06/22/2024

Looking forward to seeing you all tomorrow! 3-5pm at our new home at Eastern View Farm.
2452 Poindexter rd, Louisa VA.
Stay to the right of the house and come down to the barn, there is room to park along the side of the driveway.

06/19/2024

You might be cool, but you’re not as cool as Blueberry! 🫐 😎

06/17/2024

Open House and Ice Cream Social!
Saturday June 22nd 3-5pm
Come see the new farm, bring your favorite kind of ice cream and/or a topping!
Beat the heat, hang out, and catch up with everyone! Please RSVP if possible so we know how many to plan for!
New visitors also welcome!
*New Farm Address*
2452 Poindexter Rd, Louisa VA 23093

06/15/2024

Adult “summer camp” anyone?!?
Who says big kids can’t have fun too?!
If you have a long weekend, or days mid week that you would like to join us for the “full immersion” driving experience, come join us!
The days are long and hot…. But we like afternoon ice cream breaks! 🤣🍦
If you are coming from far away, we can recommend some nearby places to stay, and we can house your equine partner. Consider coming for a ladies trip with your friends, or by yourself for some quiet solitude and horsey time.

06/14/2024

We have two last minute openings for this clinic. We have a trailer going and are willing to offer the use of Cokie and/or Mystic if someone wants to participate! Or bring your own mini/small pony. Contact me to make arrangements.

06/14/2024

Hi guys! I plan to be at the Glenarvon showgrounds tomorrow around noon, to load obstacles onto trailers with the tractor. The 6 orange/black cubes are spoken for.
8-12 IBC cubes for sale as well as 4 wood squares and 4 wood triangles.
All $25 an element.
Please let me know if you would like to come get some! Need them gone ASAP

06/13/2024

Beautiful weather and beautiful views this week.

06/10/2024

Congrats to BSF Golden Snitch - Connemara Stallion and his connections! We look forward to getting him back to driving this summer now that we live right next door!! 👍👍

06/10/2024

Tack room cleanup continues!
Driving reins for sale! Make an offer, willing to ship.

Single
-Black 11.5 ft Conway buckle bit ends, and snap at driver end. $15
-Yonies Brown with rubber web grip, Brand NEW Swivel buckle at driver end. 15ft(X-Large) $75(new $90)
-Brown, 14ft(horse) buckle and keeper at driver end. $40

Pair
-Horse Brown with the pebble bump texture, buckle at driver end. 17ft (horse) $45
-Pony with web grip. Velcro at driver end. 15 ft, broken keepers(green zip ties). Textured part is worn and crunchy. $20, could be repaired by Yonies.
-Small Pony pair 13ft web grip in good shape, buckle at driver end. $60

Leader
Zilco, labeled pony. 20ft long. sewn in coupling reins, extra holes have been punched for buckling into wheeler reins/clamp. $45

06/08/2024

Anyone who knows me knows I’m a bit of a bit hoarder. 🤷‍♀️🙋‍♀️ Well the bit trunk, even with wheels, was barely moveabke. So I’ve decided to sell these that I don’t use much(or at all). Comment for pricing, willing to ship. But many, get a discount!

Address

2452 Poindexter Road
Louisa, VA
23093

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm
Saturday	9am - 5pm

Website

http://www.focusforwarddriving.com/

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Videos

It doesn’t get any cuter than this! #minigang They don’t look too excited for their morning workout given the heat and humidity, but the minis have all been making great progress this summer. We are about to send 2 home and get two new littles in for training this August.

You might be cool, but you’re not as cool as Blueberry! 🫐 😎

The girls were happy to stretch their legs this morning. Everyone seems to be in great shape after their 16 hour trip yesterday.

Ben’s father was able to watch from home. We are soooo thankful to have Live Feed! Thanks #LiveOakInternational!

We are really loving the Florida landscape this year. Enjoying trails and nature has been way more rewarding for us than fancy fiber rings or crowded training areas. The horses are relaxed, fit and enjoying their jobs!

This mare is looking for her new person! She’s a small Dutch horse at just 15.1 hands. She rides and drives. Kandie loves grooming and attention. She has good ground and stable manners. She prefers to be out enjoying the trails with a relaxed but confident driver. Kandie rode lovely under saddle but has not been ridden in 5+ months. We have spent a lot of time exposing her to shows, events, new environments etc. With more work on her relaxation in dressage she will make a competitive CDE horse. Due to time restraints this year, we haven’t shown her in a full CDE, but she has been doing 10k fitness drives, and schooling hazards. Contact us for more info! Motivated to sell before we go back north the end of March. Asking 🥇🥇,⭕️⭕️⭕️ negotiable to the right home.

Video from Fridays Combined Test and Derby at Grand Oaks

When the weather brings 5” of rain, you school water! 💦 Sandor was a trooper cantering through this series of deep puddles!

Florida driving paradise! We are loving the backroads of Anthony that we access from the winter farm. The horses and ponies are putting in the miles for fitness and experience. The neighbors have been friendly and happy to see us!

The “Dusty Cam” and Justine. We did nearly 8k around the neighborhood this morning. It was a great Sunday morning with lots of activity and smiling faces as they saw us drive by.

The mares were very happy to stretch their legs this morning. Sigi, Kandie and Darbie traveled really well and have settled in nicely!

Yesterday was a beautiful day to get some drive time in. Back on the road today headed for Tryon CDE

Talented 2022 DHH Filly

High Elegance (Emy Duca x Hightanium) is registered with ADHHA, weaned, and ready to go to a new home. This filly will excel in dressage, combined driving, or fine harness. Solid chestnut with a star. Please contact us for more information.

June did amazing today. We took a short trailer ride to the show grounds for some training in a new environment. She acted like an old pro! Forward and confident through the water, obstacles, cones and flags. She’s going to make a great CDE pony!

There’s a new pair in town! This mother & son pair are just learning about working as a pair together. Goodie is the steady pace keeper, and Teddy likes to sight see.