Presentation at the “Spirit of the West” Symposium

April 11, Thursday, Diane Kastama gave a presentation at the “Spirit of the West” Symposium held at the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum and Carriage House. The symposium ran from April 10 to April 13 and covered US history of the carriage and wagon. Subjects included Construction, Cooking on the Trail, Business, and Diane’s subject, Special Woman, Special Carriage. Diane gave a presentation of her history with the sport of carriage driving from her car accident leaving her paralyzed from waist down, her first competition horse an Appaloosa mare who knew three gaits, walk, trot and stop. Then her transition to other equines and competing at Advanced level in Combined Driving Events and international competition for which she won Gold, Silver , and Bronze medals. She described and demonstrated her carriages and modifications people have made to their carriages and harness and ways to enter and exit their carriage. There was mention of USDFD and we had flyers available for people who were interested.