As A Piece of History Drives By…
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
LEXINGTON, KY (June 21, 2006) They’ll be driving straight out of the history books and off the movie screens – stylish four-wheeled antique coaches pulled by teams of immaculate horses and driven by liveried coachmen, parochial two-wheeled carts pulled by ponies, and everything in-between.
Hundreds of members of the Carriage Association of America (CAA) will gather at the Kentucky Horse Park for the Carriage Association of America Conference, July 5-8. They’ll be bringing their horses and ponies, from massive draft breeds to minis, having in tow (literally) their antique carriages and other equine-powered vehicles, which they will drive through the park and surrounding countryside each day.
They are being drawn to the Bluegrass to celebrate the grand opening of the new CAA headquarters in the National Horse Center at the Kentucky Horse Park, after relocating from New Jersey. The organization’s 3,000-member roster includes aficionados from all 50 states and 40 other countries, with a social range as diverse as the vehicles and breeds of horses they own. From the nation’s wealthiest “movers and shakers” with their polished coaches and elegant steeds, to local moms and pops with carts pulled by family pets, they will gather at the Kentucky Horse Park to share their love of tradition and fine things, and to introduce park visitors to their refined sport of carriage driving.
Perhaps the most remarkable visual displays will take place when at least 15 four-horse coaches and carriages ferry dignitaries to the ribbon cutting ceremony on July 5. Then approximately 60 horse-drawn vehicles will drive through the scenic Kentucky Horse Park and down Iron Works Pike to Spindletop Hall and back on Friday at 6pm, and again through the park and along the tree-lined roads of historic Walnut Hall Stock Farm on Saturday at 10am.
The public is invited to participate in the conference activities ranging from seminars on collecting coaching prints, carriage restoration, unusual vehicles, the Carriage Showcase, and simply watching the lovely sights.
Park Hours and Rates: From March 15-October 31, the park is open seven days a week. Admission is $15 for adults, $8 for children 7-12. Children six and under are always admitted free of charge. Admission includes the Carriage Association activities and the American Saddlebred Museum.
Editor’s Note: Photo journalists are encouraged to attend, as these carriage drives will provide unusually impressive photo ops and unique interviews.
 
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