The finest horses and carriages coming to PdC for Villa Louis ‘classic’
One of last year’s Carriage Classic competitors sits ready to enter a timed obstacle course with her elegant horse and carriage. (Courier Press file photo)
The 39th annual Villa Louis Carriage Classic is happening Sept. 6-8, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day, at the historic site in Prairie du Chien.
“Each year, we welcome competitors from all across the United States to participate in our Carriage Classic,” said Susan Caya-Slusser, southwest sites regional director for the Wisconsin Historical Society. “This annual event provides a glimpse into what it was like at Villa Louis during the pinnacle of the Dousman era stock farm.”
The event will host the finest horses and over 100 new and restored carriages will compete in a variety of arena and cross-country events. Competitors are as young as 6 or 7, while others are in their 80s, and everyone else falls in between.
They will compete in various divisions: novice and limit, novice horse, minis and donkeys, ponies and horses, pairs of minis and donkeys, pairs of ponies and horses, and multiples. In each division, there are usually a half-dozen classes: driver’s skill, horse’s skill, cleanliness of the ride, obstacles-points and obstacles-timed.
During the Dousman era, the Villa Louis Historic Site was home to the “Artesian Stock Farm,” a premier standard-bred training facility, known as one of the Midwest’s finest racehorse farms.
The Carriage Classic is an American Driving Society-sanctioned event. Organizers include Michael and Shelly Rider and family as well as a few friends and longtime participants.
Both daily and weekend admission allows spectators to view the Carriage Classic competitions, seating and a tour of the Villa Louis Historic Mansion. There are daily and weekend pass rates for all ages. For more information, call 326-2721 or visit www.villalouis.org.
