Found out where and immediately booked a hotel and was caught by surprise how many completely full already. While we can do the "camping thing", we prefer to do a room w/ some amenities - though not as many as we ended up getting. Working with them - will get a "downgraded" room if there is a cancellation... That covered for 3 or 4 people along with who is sharing what in cost.
Soooo - we've been up to Millersburg/Mt. Hope area quite a number of times - since 2011. Done a lot of business with Pioneer and a couple of harness shops. ALWAYS take time to go to Mrs. Yoder's Kitchen and usually park at the Mt. Hope Auction yards and walk over. Been to some of the other family style restaurants in the area(s), too.
What can we expect? I know that I want to see equipment and want to see the opening ceremony. Will it be the same - both Friday & Saturday? If it is, we can plan on watching it the one and do other things the other.
W/O my own ponies in hand, I have time to concentrate on how horses are handled and hitched, harness configurations and actual working of equipment. I'm interested in haying - but all equipment I've seen so far either in operation or for sale is much too large for my use.
Does anyone know - will there be shops open on Sunday - after the actual presentations? Or will it be a "normal" Sunday w/ the family business's closed? If that's the case, I'm "guessing" that the business's will have vendor set ups? I know two will be at HPD - I am picking up equipment rather than having it shipped...
I had another question or 2, but can't think of them now...
http://www.horseprogressdays.com should help you on the schedule questions.
I think if you've a history with Pioneer they will be happy to send you the book for this year. It's good to have the book, even if you have to pay for it, which is also possible with a phone call to Pioneer or any of the Directors, i.e. Dale Stoltzfus, cell 717-940-4412 email:
Thursday afternoon and evening is a real good time to meet and greet others. That's when we plan to get there, after setting up camp Thursday morning. Looking forward to seeing porch faces there. :-)
