Victor, Margot and I on a harvest drive with the Piedmont Driving Club in Middleburg, VA

Our Story

Like many women with horses, I came upon hard times post divorce.  My showing days were over, and I was left with a tow vehicle but no gas with which to tow!  The poor ponies were bored, and had to either make their way, or be sold.  The children would have been devastated.

I had no idea that the outcome would be so delightful - this is surely  the most silvery of linings to a very, very dark cloud.  We finished our first year of business with so many wonderful experiences, new friends and renewed sense of living.

 As a tribute to our trials and to benefit those who are not so fortunate to have the kind of support I had to carry me through my domestic violence situation, a contribution will be made  for every party given, to House of Ruth Maryland

Qualifications

I first learned to ride and entered my first horse show at age eight and was quickly hooked on the adrenaline of competition, though my Grandmother's farm was 1 1/2 hours away from me.  My most important childhood memory was of sitting on the basement steps, mooning over Volume H of the World Book Encyclopedia. 

Nicknamed "Princess Daisy" by my teammate's mothers, I had always purchased and provided for my pony - tack, fencing and feed - entirely with my own funds and earnings, the first one at age 10, the second at age 14.   I was largely self-taught, stumbling along with well-thumbed volumes from the local library until I joined the United States Pony Club and rapidly advanced with weekly lessons. I participated in the 1980 National Games Rally, and ended my career with a C-3 Rating. Teaching the younger Pony Clubbers was a requirement to move up ranks, and I heartily enjoyed the "Bad News Bears" squadron I was allotted as the low girl on the totem pole at the time.  A variety of equines, all of them priced low for a reason, each taught me invaluable lessons on doing the best you can, with what you have.  

I continued that quest as an adult when I took up carriage driving with the help and guidance of my aunt, Susan Hill, who was one of the founding members of the My Lady's Manor Driving Club as well as a Welsh Pony breeder of note.  My driving pony  was a keen competitor and we enjoyed a happy following and success in the ring until childbearing forced me to give that up for several years. My favorite event remains The Laurels, where I competed fifteen years ago.  The sport  of Combined Driving has grown by leaps and bounds and I hope one day to rejoin it. Until then, Billy and Jesse and I enjoy our work immensely, and take an occasional day off to revisit scenes of glory, like the Upperville Colt & Horse Show in VA each spring.

Who We Are

No business operates without its quiet champions behind the scenes. 

Mom has been known to lose her fingerprints cleaning the brass on the harness.  Dad loses sleep over the possibility their water tank has sprung a leak.   They allow me the use of their land (and their peace of mind!) so that I can live independently with my children, despite our hardships.

Here is to all the parents everywhere, who stand by and think on their feet, accepting that being a mom and a dad is a job with no retirement plan.  I will meet many of you and I salute you all, for your commitment and the love that you show by indulging your children's dreams, if for just a day.  

It is our privilege to share that dream with you.                               

                                           Angela Cichetti Deppe   

My Kids

                I will often have my children, Victor (age 11) and Margot (age 8) along with me.  Nothing becomes a child like a good work ethic.  Victor picks out the paddock each morning before breakfast and is in charge of setting up the shop vac on work days. Margot is a champion pony groomer, and can always be counted on to know where I put what down when I'm frazzled and having a 'senior moment'.  I feel truly blessed on my drive to your home, to have all my loved ones in 'tow'.  My work is my pleasure and your parties make it all possible - thank you from the bottom of all our hearts for allowing us to serve you.

Victor and Jesse, ready to pack and go home