Let's Get Youth Involved!!
Florida Whips Youth Programs
The Florida Whips Youth Driving Programs provide a fun, supportive, and educational introduction to the sport of carriage driving for youth of all experience levels. Through clinics and summer camps, young people ages 8–19 can learn to drive safely, develop horsemanship skills, and make new friends while discovering the unique partnership between horse and driver.
No previous driving experience is necessary! Our programs welcome youth who have never sat in a carriage, as well as experienced young drivers who want to build their skills and prepare for competition. Instruction includes driving, harnessing, horse care, safety, and the fundamentals of the sport.
Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced young driver, Florida Whips offers a welcoming place to learn, grow, and have fun with horses!
Clinics
The Florida Whips Youth Driving Clinics are offered during the winter season at Grand Oaks Resort in Weirsdale. Each clinic offers fun and educational half-day experience for youth of all ages and experience levels—from complete beginners to experienced young drivers.
Each clinic includes a one-hour private driving lesson with a professional trainer, along with hands-on horse management sessions. Youth learn about proper horse care, harnessing, driving safety, grooming, equipment, and other important horsemanship skills.
Our goal is to help young people become safe, confident, and knowledgeable drivers while having fun and building friendships through their love of horses.
Camps
The Florida Whips Youth Driving Camp is offered in the summer at Grand Oaks Resort in Weirsdale, FL. Camp is a fun three days filled with learning about horses, carriage driving and fun activities.
At camp you can bring your own pony/horse or will be matched with a suitable pony for your level of driving experience. Camp starts on Friday and ends Sunday aroun noon. Each day starts with a driving lesson with a professional experienced horse trainer. After daily driving lessons each youth will move to learning sessions such as horse care, carriage knowledge, whip handling, etc. Camp offers learning from professionals such as veterinarians, farriers, experienced drivers. Lunch is provided for youth and chaperone.
Camp is a wonderful way to get to know other youth and professionals in the driving community.
How To Get Involved
There are many ways to help with the FL Whips Youth Program. We are always in need of volunteers for camp and clinics, no experience is necessary to volunteer and help. If you are a professional in the horse industry we would love your help presenting to our youth. If you are interested in knowing more about driving this could be a great place to volunteer for adult or youth.
Contact Karen Cherry at karencherry@gmail.com for more information about youth driving or volunteering.
FL Whips is always looking for volunteers to help at camp.
Contact Karen if you would like help.
How To Sign Up
1. Fill out an Entry Form
2. Fill out a Liability Release Form
3. Email or Mail to Karen Cherry.
See below for links to the current clinic and camps. Contact Karen Cherry at karencherry@gmail.com for more information about youth driving or volunteering.
FL Whips is always looking for volunteers to help at camp.
Contact Karen if you would like help.
