Friday, August 1, 2014

Take A Trip Back In Time With A Horse Drawn Carriage

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By Annabelle Holman


Since humans first began to domesticate animals, they have been using some of these creatures for transport. An important invention called the wheel could be combined with the power of draft animals to carry heavy loads over long distances. Over time, people developed carriages for comfortable travel and even after the steam engine had been invented, these carriages were a major mode of travel. Today, alas, it's a curiosity more than anything else but the horse drawn carriage can take you on a trip back in time, whether you're in Sherwood Park AB or in London, England.

Carriages are a popular tourist attraction in many parts of the world. For example, in Granada, a Spanish-colonial city in Nicaragua, horses are decorated with fancy headdresses when they transport tourists along the cobbled streets. If you don't feel like walking or rollerblading through New York's Central Park, the best way to explore this vast oasis of greenery is with the help of some horses.

Sometimes the mode of transport is not only there for the benefit of the tourists. It may be one of the only ways to get around in a place. An example is Mackinac Island in Michigan, where the ingredients for the famous fudge are delivered the old-fashioned way due to the fact that there are no cars on the island.

There is no better way to impress a date than with a carriage ride. You may opt for ones already operating in places like Central Park or you may specially hire a vehicle and the horses to pull it. Check the weather, especially if you're planning on riding with the top down, and take a warm blanket just in case. Then surprise your date with some champagne and a delectable picnic.

Horses and carriages don't only add romance to an event. They add pomp and ceremony too. Just look at almost any royal wedding and how not only the bridal couple but the guests too use this mode of transport. Of course you don't need to have blue blood to bring some of this glamour to your own wedding. You just need to contact your local stables.

It was a member of Britain's royal family that helped to turn carriage driving from an old-fashioned mode of transport into the sport known as combined driving. Prince Philip, husband to Queen Elizabeth II, has always been known for his love of horses and his equestrian abilities. He used to play polo but in 1971 took up combined driving, which involves events such as dressage and marathons. He even supervised the compilation of the rules for the sport.

There are many different types of carriages to choose from. Some are stately and can easily take four people. Others are small and lightweight and are designed as sports carriages. It's also important to choose the right horses. They should be properly trained and, most importantly, they should be in excellent condition and have a strong build.

Many cities have stables where you'll be able to rent carriages and horses. An online search will point you in the right direction. You may also try the local business directory. Then you only need to visit the stable, make your choice and be ready to be transported back in time.




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