About Our Horses
Tony and Tiaria (aka - Patricia) are Gypsy Vanner and Percheron crosses. They were bred to be work horses. The Gypsy Vanner is a small draft and the Percheron is a large draft. So Tony and Tiaria are right in the middle.
Most Frequently Asked Questions about Carriage Tours and Horses
When do the Olde Towne Carriage tours depart?
Depending on the season and hours of the Visitor Center - our first tour departs around 9:30 am and the last tour departs around 3:30 pm. Tours leave approximately every 40 minutes. We will stay later than 4:00 pm if busy.
Are we alone on the carriage ride?
No, we have two carriages one seats 4 adults and two children comfortably and the other seats 6 adults and three children comfortably, so you will be sharing the carriage with the other tour participants. You can, however, book a private tour for privacy.
Is the carriage ride narrated?
Yes, the carriage tour is fully narrated by a professional tour guide.
Is there parking nearby the carriage tour departure point?
Yes, there are both public parking and city parking garages available near the departure point.
Is there a reservation fee for private rides and other services?
Yes, A deposit of $25.00 for 1/2 Hour Private Rides and $50.00 for all other Services is due at the time of booking. All deposits are non-refundable, we will be happy to re-schedule your event if there is bad weather.
Does this horse like his job?
Carriage horses are bred to work in harness. In fact, the exercise keeps him healthy. Horses recognize, respond to and develop an affection for their drivers.
Does the pavement hurt his hooves?
No, because he wears protective shoes and his hooves are made of the same substance as fingernails. The hooves are hard and they have no feeling on the outside of the hooves.
May I pet the horse?
Each horse is different. Always ask the driver if it is safe to touch the horse.
How much weight can a horse pull?
A horse can easily pull a wheeled vehicle that is six (6) times his own weight, however most carriage horses are used at only 25% of that capacity. But we limit the weight in the carriages to 800 lbs.
How many poeople and fit on your carriages? Our wagon can only carry 4 adults or 2 adults and three children, our vis-a-via can carry 4 adults or 2 adults and three children (if individuals are under 150lbs, 6 adults can fit), our vis-a-via limo can carry 6 adults or 4 adults and up to five children (if adult are under 150lbs). Remember in the summer time you can fit more individauls than in the winter because of people have more clothes on.
What is the average life expectancy of a horse?
Twenty-five to 30 years. Horses have been known to live well into their 40s.
Is it normal for a horse to sweat?
Yes. It is a natural cooling process, just as it is with people. We do not take the horses out on very humid days because it is hard for the horses to cool down, their sweat does not evaporate and their bodies don't effectively cool. On these days over 92 degrees and high humidity it is best to call ahead to make sure we are working for that day.
How do horses rest?
Horses usually sleep standing up, often with one hind foot cocked. Our horse love to sleep in between rides.
How often do you feed the horse?
A horse consumes two or three meals of hay/grain per day.
