The pleasure-driving-show portion of the event will feature classes in a variety of divisions. There will be everything from single ponies on up to multiples of horses and even a few “just for fun” classes, including carriage dogs and a costume class. Classes will be held Friday and Saturday (morning through evening) in the air-conditioned Alltech Arena. On Sunday morning, the Carriage Classic competitors will participate in a “presentation pleasure drive,” giving drivers a chance to show off their horses/ponies and carriages and spectators a chance to sit along the route and enjoy the parade.
 
In addition to the pleasure-driving show, the weekend will also feature pleasure driving throughout the Kentucky Horse Park (for CAA members entered in the pleasure-driving show and those who simply want to bring horses/ponies for the weekend, without competing in the show), a tour of the Kentucky Horse Park’s biomass gasification plant, talks by a carriage-driving judge to explain what the judge in the ring is looking for during each class, and social activities usually associated with a full CAA Conference. Saturday will also feature an antique-car show.
 
Whether you’re a pleasure-driving competitor, someone who just wants to drive for fun, or a spectator, you won’t want to miss the inaugural CAA Carriage Classic, included with park admission.
 
The CAA was founded in 1960 and is the oldest and largest international organization devoted to the preservation and restoration of horse-drawn carriages and sleighs. The CAA has more than 3,000 members in all 50 states and in 40 other countries.
 
For more information on the Carriage Association of America or to join, visit www.caaonline.com, write to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , or call 859-231-0971.
 

Photos courtesy of Driving Digest and Lesley Ward.