Club Profile

Townsville and District

Pleasure Harness Society Inc.

The "Townsville and District Pleasure Harness Society Inc." was started in Townsville, North Queensland, in 1988 by a group of dedicated enthusiasts. Through originally known as the "Tropical Whips". Its members came from a wide variety of private and commercial drivers. Each with the same desire. To estabilish a club that could organize a large range of different venues and circumstances in which it's members could enjoy their horse/pony drawn vehicles. With all shapes and sizes currentlt being driven, from Miniature Horses, donkeys and heavy draft breeds.

So it came to be. The "T&DPHS Inc", Inc. because all Queensland carriage driving clubs affiliated with the Australian Carriage Driving Society Inc. require to be 'Incorporated' with the Queensland Government's, Department of Justice and Attorney-General.

The club began from humble outings in the local area. With training days, bush drives, dressage training, basic harnessing schools (so we could all learn how to put the stuff on the right way), collecting the kids from school, enthusiatists and appreciators. To the current calendar which includes all the same elements from years gone by.. With the addition of a CDE (combined driving event), full show driving program, arena driving, precision driving, games and public appearances, we provide a little of something for everyone's taste.

The members of the club drift away and new members join, as with all clubs. But the core of the club remains the same with the same objectives still ruling today. To enjoy our sport, our animals, our families and the Townsville district. Our members and interested others currently live as fas as Yangaburra (Atherton Tablelands) and Cairns to the north, Richmond to the west and Millaroo to the south of Townsville. The club drives at venues ranging from Mt. Fox, Hughenden, Charters Towers, Atherton, and close to home, Alligator Creek, Bluewater, Black River and Anderson Park. The members maks most of any type of terrain available to them. Some members follow the formal Agricultural and breed show circuit up and down the Queensland coast.

Many of the members start out with home made vehicles, second hand harness, and any shape of horse/pony that takes their fancy, or is available to them. Some taking 'the kids pony' out of the paddock, and after many hours of trial and error, having their first attempt at pleasure driving.

As the skills of harness making, collar making, blacksmithing and wheel-wrighting become lost and forgotten trades some members resort to making their own, adapting whatever is available, disturbing old timers to pick their brains and simply helping each other out.

As many people have witnessed, the end result of long hours of tediously restoring what can only be described as a "pile of old iron and junk" out in the paddock. Into what is a work of art, as the restored vehicles take centre ring come 'show time', with a beautifully turned out horse or pony in front as the heads turn and spectators comment to those near by, "I remember them from when I was young", the sense of pride and achievement make it all worth while.

Some members aren't that fortunate, but gain as much fun and enjoyment from simply being out there, having a go, and not having horse/pony misbehave in front of the judge. Always handy not to step on the judge! The ring announcer ALWAYS see's that one. Never the beautiful one handed circle driven to perfection.

As with all club's it needs its junior members coming through the ranks to ensure its ongoing success. And ours is no different. We are fortunate to have a number of young drivers, some accomplished, and some just starting out. The club likes to cater to their needs to, and makes a point of listening to their comments, and taking the time to answer any queries. They are welcome at all activities, and often lead the more mature members on the odd wild vehicle chase. A big favorite is follow the leader through the course, be it cones or a mystery track. There is something for everyone.

The club has a big emphaisis on family involment, regardless of which family member is actually driving at the time. Weekend picnic drives are a popular event in the more weather friendly months of the year.

Our growing number of "Social" members and their association provide the more active members the support and guideance (often first hand experience) to develop our skills and knowledge. Besides, they make the best cakes and quiches. We are so spoilt.

Regular newsletters help up to keep in touch with our more distance members, whom often can't make it to our regular meeting at the "Aitkenvale Libary Meeting Rooms" or under a shading tree at the end of an event.

The one common element - we enjoy carriage driving and our equine friends. Oh yes, the people ones aren't too bad either.

Barbara Field

President 2009 - 2010