Come Drive With Us!
Come Drive With Us!
We are a statewide, not-for-profit equine driving association dedicated to the fun, sport, and tradition of carriage driving. We offer education, clinics, competitions, social gatherings, and other activities. A "whip" is the term used to describe the driver of a carriage, and our whips would be happy to have you join them! There are no requirements to become a member, other than agreeing to safety rules and becoming an annual dues-paying member. We look forward to driving with you and enjoying the fun together.
Learn.
Find Instructors, connect with a mentor, ask questions, and get answers as you begin a new journey with your horse or pony. Driving is about as much fun as you can have with your horse.
Drive.
Participate in group drives, competitions, clinics and social events all while enjoying the camaraderie of horse people who seem to become lifelong friends.
Share.
Share your experience by being a mentor to someone who is new and eager to learn. Volunteer your time. It is up to our members to keep the sport approachable, relevant and fun.
A Welcome from our President
Welcome to The Florida Whips, the most motivated, educated, progressive driving club in America! The Board of Directors and I, as well as the general membership stand ready to help you and your horse or pony have a long, safe driving career. This can only be achieved by asking the right questions. We hope you become an active member and encourage others to join and reap the knowledge we wish to share.
Way before dreams of blue ribbons is the wellbeing of your equine. So that nicker in the morning is their way of saying “Go out there and learn how to do this carriage driving correctly so we can have fun!” Give your horse or pony a huge pat from The Florida Whips! We look forward to working with you!
​
I invite you to take a look at my "Letters from the President" page, or call me anytime with questions or concerns.
Bob Giles
2023-2024 CALENDAR OF EVENTS POSTED! Check our calendar page for a listing of Florida Whips and other events around Florida and plan your calendar for the upcoming year...(10/1/23)
​
Dues are DUE! If you have already paid by August 14, you should have received your membership card in your email. Remember that membership must be current to receive a calendar. (8/27/23)
CDE SUPPORTERS: Grand Oaks hosts two USEF Combined Driving Events each year and that facility is an essential venue for our sport. In support of Kacy and in the interest of maintaining a top notch marathon course, the driving community is being asked to participate in an obstacle re-build and maintenance initiative.
Anne Raisner and Bettina Scherer have asked that The Florida Whips be the platform for this project and have calendared a work weekend in October. The advertised fundraising amount of $3,500 is thought to be a reasonable number for our local driving members to participate in. However, Anne has walked the course with Kacy and most of the obstacles could use a facelift -- therefore, we are passing the hat in hopes to raise additional funds. Thank you for your consideration in making a donation to this project in order to keep this USEF venue operable. (8/27/23)
Join the Florida Whips in Weirsdale, Florida for Camp Grand Oaks, a fun and relaxed drving event at the beautiful Grand Oaks Resort. Registration includes all meals during Camp, 8 hours of mini lessons with top professional trainers, fun competitions, educational speakers and meeting old and new friends. Go to https://www.flawhips.org/whips-events for more information.
​
Florida Whips are now an American Driving Society Blue Ribbon Club!
Blue RibbonClubs must have a minimum of 75% of members who are also ADS members OR a minimum of 75 ADS members in their club to apply for designation as a Blue Ribbon Club. The purpose of this designation is to encourage ADS membership and present Blue Ribbons Clubs to the membership and driving community.
The benefits of Blue Ribbon Club designation include:
• Free ADS Club Membership for the following year
• Use of the Blue Ribbon Club logo for your club publications and activities
• Special coverage featuring your club and activities in The Whip
• Blue Ribbon designation in the Regions section of the ADS Website
• One copy of the current year ADS Rulebook
• A package of digital educational seminars on driving, horsemanship, sportsmanship and animal care for Blue Ribbon Clubs to show at club events.
Thank you all for being American Driving Society Members!
​
The Board is in the process of finalizing the events calendar for 2023-2024. Check back here for the new calendar...
​
​
NEW NEWS
