This week’s participant in our interview series is Kathy Courtemanche. She works part-time in the CAA office and helps us with all sorts of projects. She has also served for the past couple of years as the secretary for the National Drive, which is a HUGE job.

Where do you live?  Kentucky

For those who don’t know you: How are you involved in the driving/carriage world?  We own four horses, three who drive. We compete in both pleasure shows and CDEs. I groom for an advanced CDE driver

How long have you been driving?  Thirty years

How did you become interested in this sport/world? My horse wanted to drive, not ride

Are you a CAA member?  Yes, for three years now

If you drive: What was your first equine?  A Morgan/Arabian cross

What do you drive now?  A Morgan

What types of carriage(s) do you drive?  We have a Bennington competition vehicles and a Pacific training cart

What is the most interesting/far-flung place that your driving has taken you?  We vacationed with our Morgan in Vermont, just driving around the state

Is there a particular era/time period/type of vehicle in history that you would enjoy traveling back to … and driving in?  England or Europe, from 1850 to 1900

As a competitor, what’s your favorite type of competition / class / CDE phase?  I like dressage and marathon in CDEs and turnout classes in pleasure shows

Do/did you ride or participate in other horse sports?  I rode Morgans, Saddlebreds, and Quarter Horses

What do you like best about driving as a hobby/sport? The people are great. I love to compete, and driving is one of the last “clean sports” left

What car do you drive?  PT Cruiser

Do you have a “dream” car you wish you could drive?  A new 1-ton truck

What was your first car?  1960 VW

Do you have any other pets?  We have two dogs and five cats

What is your favorite food/cuisine?  Mexican or Chinese

What was the last movie you saw?  Julie and Julia; I thought it was very funny but sad at times

What is your favorite holiday?  The fourth of July because of the food, friends, and fireworks