The Orleton Farm Pleasure Driving Show, Combined Test and Driving Trial 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 August 7 to 10, 2025. There will be classes and divisions for everyone.
On Sunday in conjunction with the Orleton Farm Pleasure Driving Show for horse-drawn vehicles, the Gathering of Vintage Automobiles will again be on display this year. Owners of 1980 and earlier cars and trucks are invited to join us to display their impressive vehicles.
Come out and stroll the beautiful grounds, watch the driving competition, and admire the impressive vintage automobiles. Pack a picnic lunch or purchase food there. It will be a great way to spend a day with the whole family! No dogs, please.
The first day offers the Combined Test and Driving Trial for VSEs, ponies and horses with Dressage and Cone classes.
On Friday morning, the Pleasure Show kicks off with Turnout classes followed by the Driving Trial Marathon in the afternoon. The three-day pleasure driving show 2025 schedule will continue to offer the Utility Vehicle Division, a Park Division, and a Picnic Class along with an American Heritage class and the Ride and Drive class. We also offer a Tandem Division and Unicorn/Four-in-Hand Division and continue with a Coaching Division added in 2019. The Maiden Horse/ Pony Division and the Trade and Commercial Vehicle Classes will also be offered.
We will continue to offer the D’Attelage de Tradition on Sunday morning, August 10. The D’Attelage de Tradition is an opportunity for exhibitors and spectators to enjoy celebrating traditional driving turnout and skills. We will also continue the three invitational classes: Best Lady Whip, Best Gentleman Whip, Concours d’Elegance to close out the show on Sunday.
-
- Important Show Updates!
We are pleased to announce some changes in our lineup of officials to carry on the tradition of the Orleton Farm Driving Competition.
Joining us this year to spearhead the secretarial duties and scoring efforts for our Combined Test and Driving Trial will be Ellen Ettinger. Our cones and marathon course designer will be Bruce Ettinger. He will also set up the timed obstacle, fault and out and pick your own route courses as well as our cross-country map.
Joining us as announcer this year will be Kevin Goldin.
An additional request from our facility hosts is that we all take special care to minimize our impact on the beautiful grounds of Orleton Farm. For exhibitors stabled in the tent stalls we ask that you make all effort to keep your stalls well bedded and clean. It is imperative that your stall be stripped and raked to the grass upon your departure. If you are unable to make that happen, it is your responsibility to identify someone who will make that effort on your behalf.
Camper spots are filling fast. Please get your reservations in soon so as not to be disappointed.
Show Manager: Dr. Ann Willey Phone: (518) 392-6583 Email:ann@drwilley.net
Assistant Secretary: Lisa Sauer
Volunteer Coordinator: Laurie Danaher Phone: (518) 466-4608 Email:lbdanaher@yahoo.com
- 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 26th 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 27 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.
We hope you enjoy your weekend at Orleton Farm and wish you all a safe and successful show.