For 2019 we are moving the show to a later date in the summer. Due to the inclement early June weather we experienced over the last couple years, we have decided to hope for better conditions during the month of August. The four-day format for this event continues in 2019 including Combined Driving Test, Super Derby & Cross Country Pleasure Drive and Pleasure Driving Show.
August 8 to 11 from 8:30 to 4:00 each day
Show Secretary: Ann Willey Phone: (518) 392-6583 Email:westgate@taconic.net
Important Late-Breaking Corrections to the Prize List:
Entries on Thursday will be limited to 30 TOTAL for both the Combined Test and the Super Derby. So get your entries in early!!! The Picnic Class will be held as the last class of Saturday morning.
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- 2019 Prize List Entries Close July 26
- Kind reminder to Photographers:
You must request permission from the Technical Delegate before entering the ring. Appropriate attire is required in the ring following ADS Pleasure Driving rules: gentlemen must wear a coat or jacket and tie, ladies must wear conservative dress or slacks. Thank you for your contributions in serving our exhibitors, staff, and guests.
All About The Show:
Welcome to Colonial Carriage & Driving Society’s 21st Annual Pleasure Driving Show. Colonial Carriage & Driving Society and Orleton Farm are proud to play a part in promoting the history and tradition of pleasure driving here in the Berkshire Hills. The Berkshires had great history in the gilded age with the large estates and wonderful carriage houses as the place to come and be seen driving your horse and carriage. Harvey and Mary make their home at Orleton Farm, which has been in Mary’s family since 1900 and has always been a horse facility. The grounds have become home to Colonial Carriage for its many events held here throughout the year: sleigh rallies, clinics, fun day, club meetings, and the pleasure show.
The show started 21 years ago at famous sculptor Daniel Chester French’s home, Chesterwood, in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. The show continued there for three years, with the number of exhibitors and spectators increasing each year. The need for more space prompted the show to move to Eden Hill, one of Stockbridge’s great estates. In 2006, with the desire to add more classes, the show expanded to a two-day show and moved to Orleton Farm. A third day was added in 2011, expanding the show with more classes and divisions for our exhibitors.
The Orleton Farm Pleasure Driving Show, Combined Test and Super Derby is a unique event. In 2016, the show expanded to a four -day event to further accommodate the increasing interest in this venue. We continue that format in 2019. There are classes and divisions for everyone. The first day offers the Super Derby for VSEs, ponies and horses and the traditional Combined Test of dressage and cone classes. Friday will offer a scored Marathon Drive for the exhibitor’s choosing to stay over from the Derby for the pleasure show, or exhibitors arriving for the pleasure show but not necessarily interested in the Derby. The three-day pleasure driving show 2019 schedule will continue to offer the Utility Vehicle Division, a Park Division and a Picnic Class along with a popular American Heritage class and the Ride and Drive class. We also offer a Tandem Division and Unicorn/Four-in-Hand Division. This year we have added a Coaching Divison. 2019 will continue the Maiden Horse/Pony Division and the Trade and Commercial Vehicle Classes. As our show continues to grow, we are dedicated to make your experience the best possible. On Sunday the Gathering of Vintage Automobiles will be on display.
We hope you enjoy your weekend at Orleton Farm and wish you all a safe and successful show.