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
The Southern Drive is coming up quickly! Dates are May 10-12, 2024, at The Grand Oaks Resort in Weirsdale, Florida. Please go to https://thegrandoaks.com/event/6103/ for more information.
The Florida Whips Annual Meeting will be held on Saturday afternoon, May 11, at 2 p.m. in the West Gallery of Grand Oaks. Information and registration forms are available on The Grand Oaks website: thegrandoaks.com . Information on lodging is also available on the website.
Elections for Board Officers will be held at the Whips Annual Meeting on Saturday. Please bring your membership card or identification card to be eligible to attend the meeting and to vote. For more information about the annual meeting please see the attached flyer.
The results of the Photo Contest will be a highlight of the meeting. Get your photos in soon. See the attached poster for details.
We are looking forward to seeing those photos of your fellow Whips members.
​
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!
​
​
NEW NEWS
