Our Carriage Horses
Our wonderful horses compliment everything about the carriage service that we deliver to our customers' year on year. They are beautiful animals that are treasured.
The Friesian breed originates from Friesland in the Netherlands. During the middle ages the ancestors of the Friesians were in great demand as war horses throughout Europe. This was due to their size which enabled them to carry a knight in armour. The breeds’ conformation resembles that of a light draft horse although they are very graceful and nimble for their size. The Friesian’s average height is about 15.3 hands, although it may vary from 14.2 to 17 hands at the withers.
Characteristics are a black coat colour and a long thick mane and tail which is often wavy, silky feathers deliberately left untrimmed. There are rarely any white markings on the Friesian and they are known also for their brisk high stepping trot. This is what will really draw your eye as you see the horses coming down the road.
Our beautiful Friesian horses are considered a willing, active and energetic horse that is also kind, docile and gentle. The breed has great presence and carry themselves with elegance. They have powerful overall conformation and good bone structure, long arched necks with well chiselled short eared Spanish type heads, powerful sloping shoulders, compact muscular bodies and strong sloping hindquarters. There limbs are comparatively short and strong. All these combined make the Friesian a popular and great choice for driving, with the strength and stamina to pull and keep going but also the most stunning look and movement to turn people’s heads wherever they go, making them look regal and spectacular.
The Friesian remains popular as a carriage horse due to this power and eye catching movement. This flashy appearance has also made the Friesian popular in the film industry, starring in films such as, The Mask of Zorro, Chronicles of Narnia, Eragon, The hunger games and the re make of Clash of the Titans.
The Lippizan breed dates back to the 16th century and the breed takes its name from a very early stud farm located near the village of Lipica.
Most Lippizans measure between 14.2hh - 15.2hh however those bred closer to the original carriage horse type are taller at 16.1hh.
Foals are nearly always born dark colours, bay or black but then the graying process takes place with the horses getting lighter each year until the age of 6-10 where the adult horses are white.
Lippizans are fantastic at their jobs, being strong and athletic and mature slowly however live and are active longer than many other breeds performing well into their 20’s.
This breed also plays roles in many movies!
All our horses have worked commercially since being trained at the start of their career and now being in their teens makes it approximately 8 years. They are used to all types of road and traffic having regularly been driven through city centres all over the country, making them immensely safe.
See our horses in action - video examples.
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