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Walnut Hill Farm Driving Competition

by Lisa Sykes


The magic, elegance and tradition of the Victorian era, when horse and carriage were at their pinnacle, will come alive in August at the 25th anniversary of the Walnut Hill Farm Driving Competition in Pittsford.

Over 200 horsemen from Europe, Canada and the United States will display their horses and a medley of 19th century carriages in a variety of competitions. Antique vehicles from tiny pony carts to huge road coaches drawn by a four-in-hand (four horses), appointed with highly polished brass and silver harness, will participate in all phases of pleasure driving competition.

The once familiar scene of a "coach and four" arriving at an inn for a change of horses is recreated in the "Coaching Putting-To" competition. While passengers disembark and enjoy liquid refreshment, the driver and grooms unharness the spent horses and put a fresh foursome to the coach. Passengers, driver and grooms then remount and continue their journey.

The wonder of a Sunday morning coaching journey will come alive for spectators when all exhibitors take their horses for an 8-mile drive through the countryside in and around Mendon Ponds Park.

Even if one has not heard of Jack Russell terriers, the organized chaos of their noon-day races is a must-see for the entire family.

Throughout the weekend, spectators can enjoy turn-of-the-century food and drink at Ye Whip & Horn, listen to the Walnut Hill Park Band, or browse through boutique tents brimming with equine-related temptations.

With its county fair atmosphere, the Walnut Hill Farm Driving Competition will serve as a living showcase of Victorian life in America.

If you go: The Walnut Hill Farm Driving Competition. 1997 Dates: Aug. 13-17 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 397 W. Bloomfield Road, Pittsford. Tickets at gate: $6, adults; $3, children. Free parking.
·The Walnut Hill Farm Carriage Museum, Wednesday-Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
·P&C Market's 6-horse Percheron Hitch, Thursday only.
·Coaching Division, Friday through Sunday.
Police Quadrille
Hopper Hill Hunt w/hounds

Lisa Sykes is a freelance public relations consultant.

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