Colonial Horse & Carriage Show Returning To Stockbridge
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Ron Konove driving in the carriage dog class at a recent show. |
STOCKBRIDGE, Mass. — Carriage drivers from around the region and more than 50 horses will descend on 200-acre Orleton Farm this weekend.
The annual Orleton Farm Pleasure Driving Show brings drivers to compete in an array of classes and show off their best horses and antique carriages.
What used to be a semi-private competition has evolved to become a promotion for the sport with the organizers turning the show into public event and festival.
"It's keeping a tradition alive," said Cindy Tirrell, who has helped organize the event. "If people don't keep doing it then it will fade out."
The carriages date back to as early at 1870 and are kept in pristine condition. The drivers, who sometimes dress in vintage garb, are judged in categories from navigating the carriage around obstacles to a cross-country race to traditional appearances to speed.
There are an array of groupings including carriages pulled by miniature horses to drivers over the age of 65.
"It's busy. It is perpetual motion," Tirrell said of the jam-packed schedule of competitions. "It really is a lot of fun. It's unique and perfect for families."
Additionally, the weekend includes more than 20 local artisans selling handcrafted goods, an open carriage museum, wagon rides, food catered by Mad Jack's BBQ and an antique car cruise.
"We really want to make a big splash to highlight the Berkshires," Tirrell said.
She said this year's event is going to be the biggest they've done in the last 15 years. Put on by the Colonial Carriage & Driving Society, the show was first organized at the home of sculptor Daniel Chester French in Stockbridge. Three years later moved it to Eden Hill.
In 2006, the show grew to be two days and was held at Orleton Farm, which is owned by the Waller family. It attracts drivers from all over the region and beyond with competitors from as far away as Virginia.
The competitions start on Friday, continuing throughout Saturday and Sunday, but the vendors arrive on Saturday. Admission on Saturday and Sunday is $5 with children under the age of 5 free.
"We're trying to get as many guests and spectators to the show," Tirrell said.
Tags: carriages, horses,
