This week’s participant in our Q&A interview series is Dale DeHaan, who is one of the CAA’s honorary directors …

Where do you live?  Michigan

For those who don’t know you: How are you involved in the driving/carriage world?  Pleasure driving

How long have you driving/collecting, etc.?  Rode and drove as a boy then got back involved 25 years ago

Do you come from a driving/horsy family?  No

If you have children, do they ride or drive?  Both ride and drive, and our grandchildren are also interested

Are you a CAA member?  My wife and I are life members

If you drive: What was your first equine? What do you drive now? A Morgan, and a Morgan

What type of carriage(s) do you drive/collect?  I collect “light sporting” vehicles; we have about 25 in our collection.

Do you own/collect any antique vehicles? Do you have a favorite among your own collection? And have you attempted a carriage restoration by yourself or do you leave that to others?  All the vehicles in my collection are antiques; my favorite is a Shooting Break by Kimball. Pretty much all of them have been restored by Ernie and Daryl Schwartz of Antique Carriage Restorations

What is the most interesting/far-flung place that your driving/collecting/interest has taken you? The CAA trip to Ebbs, Austria, for the World Singles Championship

Do you have a favorite carriage museum?  Perhaps the Florida Carriage Museum in Weirsdale

Do you have a favorite carriage type, builder, era, etc.?  Kimball, Studebaker, or Brewster … I really like the toe-board vehicles

Is there a particular era / time period / type of vehicle in history that you would enjoy traveling back to … and driving in?  I was born 100 years too late!

Do you compete?  I compete in pleasure shows

Do/did you ride or participate in other horse sports?  No

What do you like best about driving as a hobby/sport?  The people and the genteel nature of the sport

What spectator sports do you enjoy watching?  Michigan State University basketball or football

What kind of car do you drive?  Nissan Murano

Do you have any other pets?  Barn cats

What is your favorite food/cuisine?  Fish

What was the last movie you saw?  Saw the play “Jersey Boys” in Chicago a couple of weeks ago and thought it was great

What is your favorite holiday?  Christmas; I love the reason for the season