Traditional Horse and Carriage Elegance

We know that for centuries before cars and trucks people used carriages and wagons drawn by horses, ponies, and other equines to get around. Most wagons and carts were for everyday use but if you could afford a flashy horse and a fancy carriage, along with the appropriate appointments, there were opportunities to get out into society and show off. It’s all about seeing and being seen. Come see and learn about a variety of hitches and turnouts with a touch of elegance.

Candis Hankins

Photo by Bob Mischka

Twenty three year old hackney pony "Eli" was bought from a kill pen 18 years ago. He came with a strong opinion on how things are done in a show ring. Formerly owned by Andy Halbach he won halter and pleasure classes for ten years all over the Midwest. He still wins but most of his work now involves trail driving and camping. Whatever his job, its always performed with an attitude of excellence.

Arrya Gaspar

Arrya Gaspar age 30 grew up riding Arabs. Around age 21 she started riding and driving Fjord horses working with Phil Odden. She enjoys trail riding, training young horses and driving singles or pairs at pleasure driving shows around the midwest. Her husband Robert plays the role of groom at the shows.

Laurie Christiansen

Laurie Christiansen with her Haflinger pair, Dewey and Louie, put to a Fahar Sport Dressage Phaeton. Laurie and Dewey have been riding and driving for 20 years. Louie and Dewey have come together as a pair in the last year. You’ll notice Louie is in an open bridle and Dewey in a closed bridle. Both ponies have been trained to drive single and in the pair by Steve Wood from Wildwood Sleigh and Carriage.

Bridget Edgar

Photo by Bob Mischka

Bridget Edgar has been showing horses most of her life. She started out riding and switched gears to driving when she bought her first miniature horse 15 years ago. She competes with her mare, Ravenwoods Champagne Memories, age 11. At her first Villa Louis Carriage Classic in 2022 they won Grand Champion in the VSE division; her loving Husband, Olaf Edgar, was Reserve Grand Champion. Not to worry, they flip flopped Championships in 2023.

Olaf Edgar

Photo by Bob Mischka

Olaf Edgar has been driving horses for 10 years. He made the switch to come into the carriage pleasure driving world from showing at breed shows three years ago. He is shown here with his Miniature Horse Mare, Phantoms Dash of Classic View. Dash is 13 years old. Olaf and his wife, Bridget, compete together all over the midwest. Their first year competing at the Villa Louis Carriage Classic they won Grand Champion in the VSE division in 2021. *Note: Olaf’s wife was his groom that year.

Premier Machine Farm and Carriage

Our family enjoys raising and working with these amazing grey Shire horses. They have proven to be powerful, versatile, willing and gentle partners for us; both in and out of the show ring! Our whole family enjoys being proud representatives of the Shire draft horse.

Alicia Schaffer

Alicia Schaffer is from Shoreview, MN. She will be driving her 11 yr old Friesian gelding, Princeton.
This duo has competed in pleasure driving shows for (2) years.

Jannette Paulu

Age 36 from St. Paul, MNJannette started riding saddlebreds at the age of 9 and received her first horse, Tristan, at college graduation. She started driving him 10 years ago under Steve Wood of Wildwood Sleigh and Carriage and has shown in the Midwest for the past 4 years. With the addition of her new horse Prince, she will be showing in pairs this year.