Horse Drawn Carriages

Taking a ride in a horse-drawn carriage is usually a sentimental and leisurely experience. While other modes of transport are busy and impersonal, the decision to ride in a horse drawn carriage for a stroll is usually an emotional one.

Types of carriages can range in style, comfort and elegance from a buggy (a 2-person carriage) to a Victoria (an elegant French carriage), or from a wagonette (multi-passenger transport with wooden benches) to a coach (an enclosed carriage pulled by a team of horses and driven by a coachman).

Horse drawn carriages are most popular for the following types of events:

• Weddings
• Corporate Events
• Funerals
• Parties
• Prom Nights
• Anniversaries
• Christmas
• Special Occasions

With such a variety in structure and purpose, how then do you choose a carriage for your special occasion?

• First, determine what your occasion is and look up horse drawn carriage companies here on Start Local.
• Next short-list companies based on specialization. For example, if you are looking for wedding carriages, shortlist those exclusively providing carriages for this service. Or if you are looking to learn how to drive a carriage, look for instructors that offer lessons by the hour, or at your home, along with the ideal number of horses (ranging from a single pony ride to a 4-horse coach team)
• If possible, inspect the heath of the animals. Well-fed, cared for and clean horses that are obviously loved by the owners make for a better carriage ride experience. Also look for carriages with drop bags attached to catch horse droppings to keep the environment clean. Most carriage owners will put blinders (also called blinkers) on horses to keep them from getting spooked by the distractions of city noise
• What is the style of carriage you need? This decision involves choosing seating, whether you need a covered vs. uncovered carriage, the need for a driver, etc. Carriages can range from 2 seats to as many as 8-10. Buggies have hoods that may be pulled up halfway to protect from rain or sun, while coaches are completely covered.
• Look for a well-maintained carriage with comfortable (usually leather) upholstery, fresh paint, well-aligned wheels and experienced, professional and uniformed drivers.

Your best bet is to go for safe carriages with trained horses, skilled drivers and well-maintained coaches. If possible, ask if the horse drawn carriage operator has insurance certificates for their carriages.