September 18-20, 2015.  Volunteers are needed.  The feedback from our participation last year was terrific from the event coordinators and the general public.  We would like to provide a wonderful experience again this year and really promote our draft equine.

 

If you would like to participate with your drafts, please contact Mary Haney (540) 967-2678 or Cheryl Sgarrella (703) 431-7992 and let us know what you would feel comfortable demonstrating, whether it is a harness demonstration, participating in a parade of breeds, providing wagon rides in the ring, riding demonstrations, or any other activity that you enjoy doing with your animals.  If you want to leave the animals at home and volunteer your time, we welcome any help to keep things running smoothly.  And and all help will be greatly appreciated.

 

"POSITIONS" FOR EVERYONE

 

No matter what your time schedule or ability, the ODDHMA has a volunteer position for you!

 

This event takes a lot of planning and organization. Last year was the first year that many of our members participated in Field Days of the Past.  It provided many valuable lessons and will help make this year's event better!

 

Several members, most of whom participated last year, have already stepped forward to help at this event, but they can't put on a successful show without additional help.  The following is a list of "Positions" where we will need help.  Please don't hesitate to volunteer.  This is a fun event and is an excellent venue to showcase the versatility of our draft horses, mules and donkeys!

 

PARADE OF BREEDS:  A variety of breeds are needed to make this part of our show a success.  As many of you know from our newsletters, we have a large group that participate with BLACK Percherons.  WE NEED VARIETY! You may lead, ride, drive your animals around the ring ~ whatever your preference, it fits our needs!

 

DRAFT DEMONSTRATIONS:  We have supplies for log skidding; supplies to set up an obstacle course, whether you prefer to drive, ride, sled, or ground drive; barrels for barrel races; poles for pole bending. Please let us know which "class" or "classes" you would like to participate in.  The public enjoys "friendly competition"!  We had a shortage of participants last year, so if you ride or drive, WE NEED YOU!

 

ANNOUNCERS:  A good strong voice is all that's needed.  Knowledge of draft horses and mules would be terrific.  We are putting together a notebook full of information for breed descriptions, harnessing demonstrations, etc.

 

GATE STEWARDS:  We need people to control the flow of people in and out of the ring when we are giving wagon and barrel train rides.  It's an easy job, but a very important one.

 

FLOATERS:  Basically, you fill-in where needed!  We need help at the t-shirt booth, help to keep everything running smoothly inside and outside of the ring!

 

The event dates are quickly approaching.  We will be meeting in early September to finalize all details ~ you are welcome to attend.  Please check back for updates.  This event is our largest source of income to support our organization.

 

THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION IN THIS EVENT

 

DIRECTIONS:  The Field Day of the Past show grounds are located at the intersection of Rt. 623 (Ashland Rd.) and Rt. 622 in Goochland County, off I-64, Exit #173 (Rockville-Manakin) south. Grounds are located 1/8 mile from the interstate. Follow the signs. From the south take I-95 N to I-64 west and take Exit #173. From the north take I-95 S to I-295. Merge onto I-64W to Exit #173. From the west, take I-81 to I-64 E and take Exit #173. From those south of the James River, take Rt. 288 N to Broad Street Road West exit (Rt. 250) and go approximately one mile to stoplight at Rt. 623 (Ashland Rd.). Turn right and follow signs. 

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: 

 

• If you plan on attending, we need to know in order to get passes for FREE entrance into the event and parking passes.