Carriage Classic now the largest pleasure-driving equestrian event
Now holding the title of the largest pleasure-driving equestrian event in the country, the Villa Louis Carriage Classic will take place Sept. 7-9, in Prairie du Chien.
From 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, drivers will elegantly command their horses and carriages of all breeds, styles and time periods through the arena and obstacles, presenting to a crowd of people from all over the United States. The event will host the finest horses and ponies and over 100 new and restored carriages.
2018 is the 38th year of the Carriage Classic.
“The largest show in the country didn’t happen this year,” stated Mike Rider, show organizer. “So we are the largest.”
The Carriage Classic occurs within the beautifully-landscaped grounds of the Villa Louis mansion. 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.
“This annual event provides a glimpse into what it was like at Villa Louis during the pinnacle of the Dousman era stock farm,” added Susan Caya-Slusser, site director of the Southwest Historic Sites.
Both daily and weekend admission allows spectators to view the Carriage Classic competitions, seating and a tour of the Villa Louis Historic Site. For more information, call 326-2721 or visit villalouis.org.