This summer I was invited to Cape May NJ on a work-vacation for Cape May Carriage Company. I had never been to Cape May so this journey was exciting and I was a bit nervous to!From the moment I arrived at the airport Chantel Semanchek and Mario Lattuca-Bonamico couldn't have given me a warmer welcome! There was so much history to learn about Cape May as well as their well rehearsed system of harnessing and putting the horses to the carriages. I also had to learn to negotiate my way around the city streets.A good friend. Karen Garrett from Arkansas ( owner of Princess Carriage) and her daughter Cody were also in town for a work-vacation and we all found it a wonderful time to share ideas and discuss the issues of the commercial carriage industry. We also shared what we had tried in the past, what worked, and what we would do different. It was a amazing opportunity of like minds to come together and figure out how to improve our own operations.Back to the driving part, I kept telling myself if I can drive 4 ponies through a marathon course at the International level and win medals, surely I can get this too! Well there was a lot to learn and I can tell you this place was full of thoughtful horse-people! From the grooms at the stables, to the talented drivers, and organized tour bookers, this is one amazing operation! Keep in mind there are as many as 10 horses and carriages out in the city giving tours so this is a busy place with schedules to be met!The majestic horses of Cape May Carriage were all very large drafts, and I mean BIG! many over 18hh. The harness was big too! haha! Getting use to driving these gentle giants took a bit of adjustment as they just don't start and stop as quickly as our lighter carriage horses at home. Each horse was in beautiful condition and I quickly learned a lot of glittering techniques for hooves and manes from the other drivers. This is a friendly competition between the drivers and only adds to the oooohs and aweeees on the street.After my first few days of being completely overwhelmed by this historic city, its streets, and local folklore I was getting anxious to give it a go! So with my trusty horse "Stormy" and one of the smaller vis-a-vis carriages, I set out to get the real flavor of becoming a Cape May Tour driver. Wow the first few days my head was spinning as there was just so much to remember but eventually with practice it came easier and even lots of fun!As the days passed and the weather stayed perfect for Carriage rides, I realized its a lot of hours with the horses! Getting to work early to help with a horse in training, then getting ready for the evening horse-drawn carriage tours. 14 plus hour days were getting to be common place and of course we were having so much fun along the way! We were almost like Family, I eventually claimed the role of big sister, haha!One highlight of my trip was to go to New York City and see the stables and the carriage horses in Central Park. I hadn't been to the city in a very, very, long time and was quickly feeling overwhelmed by its sheer size! The good news is that I am happy to report the horses were all very well cared for and have very tidy stables. Many of the carriages had nice turnouts and only a few needed a makeover! We had a wonderful dinner at the famous Gallaghers steak house and a stroll though times square which is really amazing! We headed back to Cape May after a very fun filled day!As the Fall season approached I realized just how fun the change of Seasons are! Lets just say a trip to Hobby Lobby with Chantal and Patti ( a fellow driver) was like taking three 5 year olds to a toy store! The fall leave garlands, silk flowers, and ribbons led to several shopping carts full of decorations for the carriages! Labor day was now quickly approaching and I knew my stay was coming to a end.On one of the last warm summer days, we had the opportunity to take the carriage horses to ride at Sunset Beach and I was thrilled to be invited to tag along! I felt like a child again on my wonderful horse "Royal" . the weather and the company was perfect!We stayed quite busy with tours in Cape May through Labor Day weekend. I was feeling a little homesick but also feeling emotional about saying goodbye. During my work-vacation I had really discovered a wonderful historic city and made lots of new wonderful friends! I had truly experienced what it is like to operate a first class horse-drawn tour company and I was excited to get home and use my knowledge to improve our services at Wind Chase Farm. (Photos courtesy of Karen Garrett)
Sweet 16 Birthday Celebration
We love to be the surprise for this very special young lady! Arriving in style to her Birthday celebration by horse-drawn carriage.
Congratulations Mr and Mrs Lopez!
We were so pleased to be a part of Mr and Mrs Lopez very Romantic Beach Wedding. Heres a few snapshots! more photos coming soon!
What Exactly is a Welsh Pony and why are they a perfect choice for my special event?
Because we often get asked about them:EARLY HISTORY & HERITAGE of Welsh Ponies:The original home of the Welsh Mountain Pony was in the hills and valleys of Wales. He was there before the Romans. His lot was not an easy one...winters were severe and vegetation was sparse. Shelter, most often was an isolated valley or a clump of bare trees. Yet the Welsh pony managed not only to survive, but to flourish. Led by proud stallions, bands of mares and their foals roamed in a semi-wild state climbing mountains, leaping ravines, running over rough terrain. Hence, the development of a pony with a remarkable soundness of body, tremendous endurance and a high degree of native intelligence. Down through the years, the Welsh pony and cob has served many masters. On the upland farms of Wales, Welsh Cobs would often have to do everything from plowing a field to carrying a farmer to market or driving a family to church on Sunday. Welsh ponies have been pampered by royalty and served on the farms of the poor. That the Welsh pony carries a trace of Arabian blood seems beyond a doubt. However, he has maintained his own dominant physical characteristics over the years. It has been demonstrated that Welsh crosses well with many other breeds, and this is, to breeders, an important aspect of his unusual versatility.The Welsh Pony & Cob Society was founded in 1901 in Wales. All Welsh ponies and cobs found in the United States are descended entirely from animals registered with The Welsh Pony & Cob Society in the UK.
GROWTH OF THE BREED IN AMERICAWhile Welsh ponies were imported to America as early as the 1880's, the Welsh Pony and Cob Society of America was not established as a breed registry until 1907. Interest in the breed dropped during the depression years, but through the combined efforts of breeders, particularly those in the East, participation in shows and fairs continued. By the 1950's the numbers of members grew, more ponies were imported and interest increased dramatically. Over the next few decades Welsh became the fastest growing breed in America. Registered Welsh ponies and cobs can be found in every state and also in Canada. To date, over 45,000 Welsh ponies and cobs have been registered.USES OF THE VERSATILE WELSH PONYThe Welsh breed is ideal for the growing child and has the spirit and endurance to challenge an adult. Today Welsh ponies and cobs can be found competing in nearly every discipline...hunters, driving, dressage, combined training, combined driving, English & Western pleasure and heavy harness.* Provided by the WPCSAOur Gold Medal Wind Chase Welsh Ponies have successfully competed though out North America and are the current 2015 Pony Team National Combined Driving Champions for the United States Equestrian Federation. They also hold a silver medal from 2013 and a bronze meadal from 2012. As you can see they are impressive and can make any special occasion truly magical. They will always arrive braided and groomed to perfection.We are the only carriage company in the entire state of Florida (with the exception of Disney World) that offers this unique one-of-a-kind turnout! Call today to check the availability of this magical team for your special event! 772-285-3480.
GROWTH OF THE BREED IN AMERICAWhile Welsh ponies were imported to America as early as the 1880's, the Welsh Pony and Cob Society of America was not established as a breed registry until 1907. Interest in the breed dropped during the depression years, but through the combined efforts of breeders, particularly those in the East, participation in shows and fairs continued. By the 1950's the numbers of members grew, more ponies were imported and interest increased dramatically. Over the next few decades Welsh became the fastest growing breed in America. Registered Welsh ponies and cobs can be found in every state and also in Canada. To date, over 45,000 Welsh ponies and cobs have been registered.USES OF THE VERSATILE WELSH PONYThe Welsh breed is ideal for the growing child and has the spirit and endurance to challenge an adult. Today Welsh ponies and cobs can be found competing in nearly every discipline...hunters, driving, dressage, combined training, combined driving, English & Western pleasure and heavy harness.* Provided by the WPCSAOur Gold Medal Wind Chase Welsh Ponies have successfully competed though out North America and are the current 2015 Pony Team National Combined Driving Champions for the United States Equestrian Federation. They also hold a silver medal from 2013 and a bronze meadal from 2012. As you can see they are impressive and can make any special occasion truly magical. They will always arrive braided and groomed to perfection.We are the only carriage company in the entire state of Florida (with the exception of Disney World) that offers this unique one-of-a-kind turnout! Call today to check the availability of this magical team for your special event! 772-285-3480.
The Wind Chase "Cinderella" Team
When you want to create a memory for a lifetime![youtube=http://youtu.be/FKPSEcbvuag]Imagine arriving to your special event in our traditional vis-à-vis carriage pulled by four elegant white Welsh ponies groomed to perfection. Wind Chase Farm is the only Carriage Service in Florida that offers this unique turnout for Weddings, Birthdays, and Special Events. When you want the best, call Florida's finest...Wind Chase Farm!
A well cared for horse or pony will glisten!
A top-notch horse-drawn carriage turnout is more then just turning heads with a glistening coat and clean and properly fitted harness/ carriage. As professional horseman it is our job to manage our time well, think ahead in any situation, keep our equipment in safe and top notch condition, communicate clearly, and promote our horses comfort. Sound horsemanship is proactive. Keeping our horses and ponies happy is the foundation of our business. Happy horses have big hearts!We practice only the best principals of the keenest horseman. Its good for our horses and ponies, their people, our customers, and even the earth. We strive to maintain the excellence of traditional carriage driving and ensure our customers the finest horse-drawn carriage service in Florida!
Our Carriage House is full!
We are so pleased to offer our customers two additional carriages to choose from. The elegant Vis-a-vis was made in Shipshewana Indiana and is well suited for the most formal events. We custom selected the most beautiful color Burgundy (very much like a fine red wine) for the body and upholstery of the carriage with stunning white patent leather dash and fenders and white canvas folding top. It is beautifully finished to the last detail. A perfect choice for all romantic occasions. We can't wait to get some professional photos with this carriage, but in the mean time heres a small snapshot taken the day it arrived here at Wind Chase Farm.
We selected our second Wind Chase Farm carriage for events with large groups! Perfect for almost any event and this carriage easily accommodates 6 + adults. Making it a wonderful choice when everyone wants to get in on the fun! This carriage was custom made in Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania, it features birds eye maple paneling, burgundy paired with straw-lining and it is the ultimate party wagon!
Top Hats and Livery
One of our promises to you........We will never, ever show up in street clothes. Our driver and attendants show up at your event properly dressed in traditional formal attire. ( Unless of-course you request us in western cowboy attire ). We provide this as normal (you can take it for granted) part of our horse-drawn carriage service, be it a child's birthday party, corporate event, or a fancy wedding.Furthermore, every turnout leaves our farm with a Driver and a attendant (footman) or two, ensuring you the the safest and most enjoyable event. 