CARRIAGE DRIVES
One of the most picturesque, elegant, and romantic ways to visit Chautauqua is riding in a horse-drawn carriage either enjoying a soft summer breeze or all bundled up beneath the snug seat blankets to keep out the late autumn or winter chill. Take yourself back in time to the simple pleasure of a classic carriage drawn by a beautiful spotted draft.
Scheduled to commence in early spring 2009, the Black Locust Farm and Riding Stables will be offering carriage rides for couples in an Amish buckboard. Our elegant Victorian carriage currently, being built by an expert Amish coachbuilder, will be delivered in June.
Our Victoria carriage is based on an elegant French carriage, similar to a phaeton made for King George IV of the United Kingdom. The design came about before 1844, and imported to England by the Prince of Wales in 1869. It was very popular amongst wealthy families.
On a low body, it will have a raised driver's seat and one forward facing seat for two passengers beneath a fold-down calash top. It was usually drawn by one or two horses. This type of carriage became fashionable with ladies for riding in the park, especially with a stylish coachman installed. It was named after Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom.
Carriage passengers often use a lap robe as a blanket or similar covering for their legs, lap and feet. We are hoping to locate a buffalo robe, made from the hide of an American bison dressed with the hair on, which was traditionally used as a carriage robe.