*** August 10 to 13, 2023 ***
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 in 2023. There are classes and divisions for everyone.
The three-day pleasure driving show 2023 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 added three invitational classes: Best Lady Whip, Best Gentleman Whip, Concours d’Elegance to close out the show on Sunday. The gathering of Vintage Automobiles will also be on display Sunday.
Show Updates:
- Judging Update The judging for the Orleton Farm Driving Show is shaping up with some great new personnel. Muffy Seaton will join us for the HDT dressage and marathon on Thursday and stay on through the 3 days of the pleasure show. Sue Rogers will cover the HDT cones and CT dressage on Thursday. Barbara Akers will take care of cones for the CT. Terry PIckett will be joining us for the Pleasure Show. Craig Kellogg is our returning TD, and Bruce Jones is handling the course designs.
Show Manager: Dr. Ann Willey Phone: (518) 392-6583 Email:ann@drwilley.net
Assistant Secretary: Laurie Danaher Phone: (518) 466-4608 Email:lbdanaher@yahoo.com
- 2023 Prize List Get your entries in!
- 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 24th 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 it’s many events held here throughout the year: sleigh rallies, clinics, fun day, club meetings, and the pleasure show.
The show started 25 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.