Horse Drawn Carriages: Rides, Buckboard Carriages And Cinderella

When Cinderella was whisked away by her Prince Charming in a horse drawn carriage, girls across the world swooned with envy. She was ushered through the carriage doors with her loved one, heading for a life of love and luxury. The dream of riding into the sunset in a horse drawn carriage with a loved one is now realized everyday. Hundreds of couples can be seen taking a magical ride just like Cinderella throughout cities like New York, San Francisco, and Chicago. A romantic carriage ride through the park is a perfect way to impress a date or reignite the fire within a well-established relationship.

There are different kinds of carriages to choose from when taking that special someone for a ride. A buckboard carriage is ideal for rides when nature is meant to be appreciated. A buckboard carriage is defined as an “open, flat bottomed, four-wheeled carriage” that has the seating attached to a plank stretched between the front and rear axles. Since there is no covering, the couple can enjoy all that nature has to offer. Of course, if the ride is intended to be more intimate, a buckboard carriage will not do. A traditional horse and buggy is probably the way to go for a romantic horse drawn carriage ride.

During the summer, many companies will only ride at night for the horse's health and safety. The rides can vary between 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the event and the company. And of course, a ride in a horse drawn carriage comes at a price. It is determined by the length of the ride and how many people will be in the carriage. A 1/2 ride may cost between $30-35, and hour long rides range from $70-80. This does not include additional passengers or the tip, which is 15-20% of the final price.

Numerous companies are available for special occasions, including engagements, weddings,and anniversaries. Horse drawn carriage rides are also a unique way to get to know the city as a tourist. A great way to find a company that provides horse drawn carriage ride services is at Partypop.com. They have a directory of companies, divided by state, that do carriage rides for any event. Another great website includes dmoz.org, an open directory project that links to 51 different horse drawn carriage companies.

Just like Cinderella, the modern day couple can be carried off in a horse drawn carriage. Imagine taking a romantic carriage ride with a beloved. The carriage wheels clack along the cobbled streets, a light wind rustles through the trees, and the sun sets in the backdrop over a beautiful body of water. The destination is reached and the carriage doors are opened to allow the couple to walk hand in hand along the streets. No matter the occasion, a horse drawn carriage is a wonderful way to celebrate the love between two people.


Sources:
“buckboard." Encyclopædia Britannica. 2007. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. 28 June 2007 http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9017881.
"Carriage, Hay and Sleigh Rides." Dmoz. 1998-2007. Netscape. 28 June 2007
http://dmoz.org/Sports/Equestrian/Carriage,_Hay, _and_Sleigh_Rides/.
"Nashville Historical Horse Drawn Carriage Limousine Ride - Private Tour." BestWestern.com. 2002-2005. Best Western International, Inc. 28 June 2007. http://www.affiliate.viator.com/brochure/product_s how.jsp;jsessionid=abcTQqwS2CvPjgKRLlfkr?ID=1010&a />Noble Horse Carriages. Noble Horse Chicago. 2007. 28 June 2007
http://www.noblehorsechicago.com/carriages.html< br />Transportation - Horse Drawn Carriages. PartyPOP.Com. 2007. 28 June 2007
http://www.partypop.com/Categories/Horse_Drawn_C arriages.html