GREENBUSH - Elegantly attired drivers, in hats and gloves, will skillfully maneuver their horse-drawn carriages through a series of competitions during Wade House’s annual Carriage Driving Days July 19-21.
“Carriage driving is a historic nod to our horse-powered history and a beautiful sport to watch,” said Bridgitt Zielke, site director of Wade House, in a news release.
Those attending can watch drivers navigate horse-powered antique, reproduced and modern carriages through a variety of competitions referred to as Arena classes, Obstacle classes and non-divisional classes.
The Arena competitions include “Turnout,” where drivers are judged on how well the horse and carriage function together and the cleanliness of the driver’s outfit; “Reinsmanship,” where judges rate drivers by their ability to control the horses and drive the carriage; and “Working,” where the performance and manner of the horse are judged.
The Obstacle competitions feature a “Timed” cones category where the fastest team around the obstacle course wins and the “Town & Country” category, which simulates a country drive, awarding the team with the lowest number of course faults.
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In addition, a variety of non-divisional competitions are offered for the enjoyment of the audience. These include a Gentlemen’s Driving Class; a “Drive and Ride,” where horses are first driven then saddled and ridden; a “Carriage Dog Class,” where dogs are judged on their behavior and posture in the carriage; “Ladies’ Driving Class” and a “Concours d ’Elegance,” where the most elegant of the show is featured.
Certified judges from the American Driving Society award the coveted blue ribbon to the carriage team that excels in each competition.
A horse-drawn wagon transports guests from the Visitor Center to the new horse arena to watch close-up carriage action in the arena as well as on the picturesque meadows and lawns of the Wade House Historic Site.
Additionally, guests can visit the Wade House Stagecoach Inn, blacksmith shop, sawmill and Wesley W. Jung Carriage Museum, which houses Wisconsin’s largest collection of carriages and wagons.
Wade House Carriage Driving Days will be held rain or shine. The event runs from noon to 4 p.m. July 19; 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 20; and 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 21. Concessions will be available for purchase.
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Single-day tickets are $17 for adults and teens, $15 for senior citizens, $8.50 for children ages 5-12, and free for children younger than 5. Weekend passes are $27 for adults and teens, $25 for senior citizens, $12.50 for children ages 5-12, and free for children younger than 5.
For those interested in learning more about carriage driving, Wade House is offering a Carriage Driving Clinic July 17 and 18. For more details or to purchase tickets, go to wadehouse.wisconsinhistory.org.
Wade House is at W7965 State 23, Greenbush, and can be reached at 920-526-3271 wadehouse.org.
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