Carriage Ride - Grand Rapids, Michigan

My husband, Chuck (DaViking), and I went for a September evening stroll in downtown Grand Rapids. A stunning white horse, pulling a carriage, crossed our path. The horse started to whinny. Was she announcing to us? “I am a pristine Percheron about to cross the blue bridge! Look out!” I wondered, ‘Why had she whinnied so enthusiastically?’

*The horse appeared to know the route* *as she neighed and snorted.*

A second horse was traversing under the bridge and joined her chorus as the pair continued clomping along the paths. Snorting and neighing filled the air. It was charming to hear these rural sounds in the city.

Carriage Ride Reservations

Nearing The Amway Grand Plaza hotel, we spied the majestic mare. “Hey, do you want to go on a carriage ride?” Chuck asked as we crossed the street to meet the horse and her driver. “Sure!” I bubbled.

*We met Linda and Dixie on the corner of Pearl Street and Monro*e.
*Dixie, a Grey Percheron mare, stands 16.1 hands high*.

Horses have always captivated me! They are intelligent and each one carries their own unique personality. As a sixteen year old I used to ride western-style at Kentree Stables in Ada. Barrell racing had been my best event. Horses are my all time favorite animal! I was thrilled for an urban carriage ride!

As we crossed the street another couple approached the carriage. Quickly realizing we were all interested in going for a ride, the driver suggested we take turns. We gladly scheduled our ride for the following hour. “Let’s go get drinks at the Amway bar.” Chuck always has the best ideas.

Drinks While We Waited

A musical trio lofted instrumental jazz from the corner of the Amway Grand Hotel’s bar. The tunes had created a relaxed atmosphere as couples and one family murmured their plans and observations.

Taking a seat at the bar we struck up a conversation with the bartender. This part time job complimented her full time coursework. She would be graduating with an associates in business next year.

As we consumed our last drips of whiskey and Moscato it was already time to go meet our carriage!

Our Carriage Ride

The streetlights answered the impending darkness by clicking on as Chuck and I stepped up and sat on the velvet seat. “There’s a wool blanket for you if you get cold.” Linda, our driver, welcomed us aboard.

The slow-paced tour offered views of the city as lights flickered on to welcome the fall night.

Linda

Linda had started Classic Carriage Rides LLC in 2004. Currently there are five drivers, each with their assigned horse. It’s vital that the driver and horse know each other well. The team of horses include four Percherons and one Clydesdale. “We do special events and weddings.” Linda explained.

*The lights reflected in the water as Dixie’s hooves clomped rhythmically along the river.*

Dixie had suddenly started to whinny, as she had earlier when we’d been walking over the blue bridge. “Oh, Dixie!” Linda shook her head with a smile. “She’s calling to her stable-mate, Bernie. He’s pulling the other carriage with Charlie as the driver. The horses know their route and talk to each other whenever they are in earshot.” She chuckled lovingly as a mother would in response to kids’ antics. Precious!

*It was now our turn to cross the blue bridge!*

The warmth in which Linda told stories of her horses was delightful. Her passion for these massive mammals was evident. I ask you, “How spoiled am I that Chuck readily creates capers for us to enjoy?”