Annual ERDHA Old Fashioned Horse Drawn Sleigh Rally, Classic Carriage Service, Johnstown, NY January 27, 2008 [click here or on any picture above to see more...] powered by

The Saratoga Driving Association is a club to promote the sport of carriage driving. The club was formed more than 20 years ago to promote the sport for competition and pleasure, and to educate our members and the general public in safe and proper driving techniques, good horsemanship, and respect for the traditions of the past. The American Driving Society is the rule making organization that sets the standards for the sport, and provides the rules for competitions. As an American Driving Society-affiliated club, the individuals and families adhere to the standards and traditions the ADS sets.

Membership includes people from many different backgrounds, ages, skill levels and equestrian disciplines. Interests vary from combined driving enthusiasts to pleasure drives in the country or showing in Pleasure Shows at county fairs or ADS events, or some have a commercial interest. We even have non driving members who enjoy horses and carriages and the fellowship of our club. Our equine companions range from drafts and mules all the way down to miniature horses. All are welcome in SDA.

Although SDA originally covered the area in and around Saratoga Springs, NY, our membership has grown over the years to include the entire Capital District of New York state and beyond. Most of our members now live in Saratoga, Albany, Columbia and Fulton counties, but we also have members in northern New York State, Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. We encourage members from the immediate area and from those people that are far away but want to be part of our activities.

The growth of our organization has allowed us to plan and maintain a year-round calendar of events, including an annual driving conference, pleasure drives, clinics with well-known trainers, and an annual horse driving trial. Our Board of Directors actively seeks input from all members in the club and is always seeking new ideas and new places to drive. We are always seeking new members who share our desire to learn about and promote carriage driving, whether they are novices or seasoned competitors.

Annual membership includes a subscription to the Yankee Pedlar magazine where the club has a monthly column that publicizes our events. This website will also serve to keep everyone informed of upcoming events and report on activities as they happen.