Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Forever in their debt.


    Prince and Pearl, Duke and Baron, Queen, and Bonnie and Clyde. 

   All seven of our carriage horses are amazing horses. They brave things that would have the average horse badly spooked. We routinely encounter all sorts of crazy things that very few horses would ever tolerate. Heavy traffic, loud motorcycles, and honking cars is the mild stuff. We have had everything from a carriage full of teen girls screaming at the top of their lungs, to mariachi bands, bagpipes, the massive gun fire on New Year's Eve, and even fireworks. Lots more of the typical stuff as well, screaming babies, hyper children, every sort of flapping plastic, and loud event commotion, is all just part of their "norm"  

   Unlike the hack or street carriage horse our special event carriage horses have to perform in a different environment at each job. Someplace they have never seen before and are unfamiliar with. Most people can't fully grasp the level of training much less the immense trust that these horses have in us and us with them to be able to perform under those circumstances, and do it calmly. Good commercial carriage horses have to have a naturally adaptable personality. The reliable ones always do. A large part of their fearlessness is due to the bond they have with their drivers and footmen. It is a mutual bond that is nothing short of divine. 

  This brings me to share with you a little about the human side of the equation. You see, the bond flows both ways. The connection a driver has with his/her horse is equally important. Being flight animals even the best horses can get a little rattled once in awhile and that is where our equine partners trust in his person comes in. A soothing tone of voice, a command given with authority does wonders to let that equine partner know that not only is he being given direction, hes safe because he is not alone. It's hard to describe to the non-horseman, but to those who are, it's as real a thing as the morning sun. Speaking of such things among their peers the horseman simply nods in understanding. 

  So you can probably imagine the deep love and appreciation the horseman/woman has for their horses. We keep each other safe and out of harm's way. We lean on each other for support when things get sideways. The trust that forms between a carriage driver and his/her horse goes far deeper than just affection for a beloved pet. It is a mutual respect like no other. The love and admiration we grow to feel for our horses is immense. Carriage drivers thank God every day for their brave and wonderful horses, and cannot help but to feel forever in their debt.  

Thursday, April 2, 2015

A new year brings new things.



Meet the newest edition to our herd of carriage horses! This is Baron. Baron Von Garriott to be exact, but just Baron for short. Baron is an experienced special events horse. He has a really nice personality and is just a really agreeable kinda boy. We are actively bonding with him now and he is doing very well with everything we have asked of him. As you can imagine as horse lovers we are really excited to start a new journey with our new horse. The excitement around here is palatable.


We have also added a new horse drawn vehicle to our fleet. Powder coated in a glitter gold frame and upholstered in the passengers section in a matching glitter gold seats our new Wagonette will be a big hit for those larger parties where the numbers of people riding are more than can easily be handled with a more traditional carriage. The Royal Wagonette will comfortably hold 12 large size adults and 14-16 people of various sizes. Pulled by one of our teams of horses its a really fun as well as a classy ride! You really have to see it in person to appreciate it. When the sun hits the gold sparkle frame it is really stunning. 

Late last summer we added a new Clydesdale mare to our family. A Registered mare that is 9 years old and has been shown all her life. Now our Clydesdale gelding Clyde has a new girlfriend! and her name? Well...Bonnie of course! We have been working the horses together and they act like they have been team mates all their lives. Clyde only one year younger than her and they are marked remarkably the same for two very flashy horses. Look for them on the job together sometime this year. While there always seems to be something in the works around here thats all the new news for now. :) 

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

The Year in Review - 2014


We started the year early with wedding, engagements, birthday parties, and...


She said yes!


The girls love feeling special with dad at the church sponsored daddy daughter dances. :) 


and of course birthdays are better when you get to feel like a total princess! 


Before the weather got warm we showed our support for our fellow operators during the corporate events we were servicing in early spring. 


More weddings with our different carriages


and a new partnership with our very own Cinderella, Miss Amanda Cross! 


From Conway cuties, to local nursing homes...


Our horses got love and attention from both young and old. :) 


and then those jobs where you try not to cry...


Like, Relay for Life.. 


..and Make a Wish.


More beautiful brides


 we wisk away in the night.


 Custom decorations for a glorious sight


Some weddings for friends


 so much fun


Loved the bright colors Rita! 


We had some interesting themed weddings


Like this one that was East Asian 


Arkansas Angels and the others that always have us back :)


again and again...


and in the middle of it all a brand new horse


 to expand our horses that can work in teams


Princess Bonnie and Count Clyde working together


and of course our Prince and his Pearl


and a project that started in Spring


and did not end until fall


and rainbow Unicorns... 


that can do it all!



 With weddings way north


and others way south 


and Parties for Princesses everywhere in between


with sugar and spice


and everything nice.


Then lots of daycares with Santa


where he


changed 


up


his 


looks.


I guess since hes Santa he can do that.


And then after dark we had the rides in Burns Park.


Family Fun


Cozy Couples


Group rides where you meet new friends


The End...