Colonial Carriage 2010 Sleigh Rally

Winter Classic Sleigh Rally By Eleanor Small

The CC & DS Winter Classic Sleigh Rally showed true New England die-hards would not let bitter 8 degree weather daunt their spirits, as record crowds greeted 22 drivers and horses who competed before Judge Dorothy (Dottie) Billingham from Foster, R.I. and who did a great job in the ring.
The air was filled with the sound of jingling sleigh bells at Orleton Farm in Stockbridge on this date of Jan. 10th, 2010.

Many faithful volunteers from the Club deserve lots of credit for hard work and for braving the cold. There were wonderful refreshments (hot dogs, chili, hot cider and cocoa) to name a view, and a big bonfire stoked by wood pallets, as well as a viewing tent set up with benches and heating units, which overlooked the area below. The snow conditions were excellent with good ring coverage that had been rolled with the 2 ton vintage roller from the Farm.

Fur coats and hats were the order of the day seen on many viewers and drivers alike. Musical selections added to the ambiance played over the Loudspeakers, included numbers such as "From Russia with Love; Lara's Theme; and Sleighride."

Notes from the day: A number of winter loving dogs could be found loving the snow, including a Newfoundland, a Burmise Mt. Dog, and several Labs. Pat Gamelli kept the bon fire ablaze adding the pallets to the fire. Mary Waller kept her pair of Warmbloods warm their blood warm under colorful Hudson Bay blankets. Harley Waller's pony, "Captain", wore a Hudson Bay Blanket also. Marylee Wagner wore sleigh bells draped over her jacket.

Results of classes were as follows: Pony or Mini, Champion: Alyse Aubin, Reserve Champion, Linda Kelly Single Horse: Champion: Bill Broe; Reserve: Leigh Semilof Pairs Champion: Jeff Marshall (Additional class results are to be posted on the Club's website at www.ColonialCarriage.org)

Thank you to Orleton Farm for a memorable sleigh rally. Please note, Membership and renewals go to Kay Konove, P.O. Box 1593, Stockbridge, MA 01262; A reminder that the PotLuck dinner meeting is March 17th, and the Driving Clinic is April 17th. See you then.