Sunday, July 11, 2010

May 2008 - The Journey Begins

We first started on this Journey to WEG with Draken way back in May of 2008.  At that time the USTA (United States Trotting Association) sent out a call looking for Standardbreds who would be interested in representing them at the World Equestrian Games.  Shortly thereafter, we sent in Draken's resume for consideration.

Draken’s Resume for Standardbred Ambassador


Draken (L24426)

Owned by Bruce and Joyce Haak

Shown by Kathleen Haak

Draken would make an extraordinary ambassador for the Standardbred industry at the 2010 FEI World Championships. He completed a successful racing career with Morrisville College, while teaching young adults about Standardbred racing. Since retiring in 2000, he has gone on to successfully compete in pleasure, marathon, cones and dressage driving. In addition, he has been the center of attention at clinics involving shoeing, harnessing, and driving in a wide variety of arenas - everything from local 4-H events to the Kentucky Horse Park. As a three-time SPHO national champion driving horse he shows off the best traits of a driving Standardbred.

Standardbreds are to other horses what DSL is to dial-up – simply a faster way of getting to your destination. Once standardbreds were prized for their speed and temperament, now they are seen as out-of-date. By exhibiting Standardbreds at the FEI World Championships the world will be reminded of their speed and willing temperament, making them excellent choices for endurance, driving and eventing. A Standardbred verse in the phases of competitive carriage driving is an excellent choice for an ambassador to the FEI World Championships.

Draken’s Accomplishments and Awards

2007

Standardbred Pleasure Horse Organization – National Champion Driving Horse

Standardbred Pleasure Horse Organization – William B. Weaver Harness Champion

Tri-Valley Horseman Association - High Point Performance Driving Horse

Tri-Valley Horseman Association - High Point Pleasure Driving Horse

Saratoga Driving Association Driving Trial – 4th Place Overall, 1st Place Marathon

Standardbred Pleasure Horse Weekend at the Kentucky Horse Park – participant

Carriage Roundup at the Kentucky Horse Park – participant in Parade of Breeds



2006

Standardbred Pleasure Horse Organization – National Champion Driving Horse

Garden State Horse and Carriage Society show – 2 wins, placed in every class

Barneveld Horseman’s Association – Marathon Champion Trophy Winner

Dancing With Horses – 1st Place, Driven Dressage

Tri-Valley Horseman Association July Show – Driving Horse Champion



2005

Standardbred Pleasure Horse Organization – National Champion Driving Horse

Barneveld Horseman’s Association – Reserve Champion Driving Horse

Tri-Valley Horseman Association July Show – Driving Horse Champion

Carriage Roundup at the Kentucky Horse Park – participant in Parade of Breeds


Draken in the News

Draken has been mentioned or featured in articles for:

The Whip

Horse Bits

AmeriCan Carriage Driver

Hoof Beats

Tri-Town News

Binghamton Press & Sun

www.Zootoo.com

www.Cowboy.com

2 comments:

  1. My son was the first student to be assigned to Draken at Morrisville, he will be thrilled to learn what a fantastic show horse Draken has become! I have photos of Draken taken at Morrisville, I saw him there and he is such a friendly horse.

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  2. That is so neat that your son knew Draken. If you have any pictures of him please feel free to send them to me at PittsburghHaak@Yahoo.com. We'd love to see them.

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