Cheeks will be nice and rosy, and comfy cozy you will be, when experiencing the magic of a horse-drawn sleigh ride at Christmas time.
Horse Drawn Okanagan presents its sixth annual sleigh ride event in Spallumcheen Dec. 22-24 and Dec. 26-30.
Returning to the same venue as last year in Spallumcheen, which features a hayshed that is transformed into a cozy gathering space, a vintage horse trailer bar where complimentary cookies and hot chocolate are served, some adorable sheep, a pony and donkey to visit, old fashioned games for the kids, and a lovely photo area with use of a traditional oak hitch wagon that is pulled by the Clydesdales of Horse Drawn Okanagan.
There is a bonfire, Christmas lights and old-fashioned horse-themed décor, and lots of folksy, classic, and instrumental Christmas songs playing in the background.
There will be plenty of horsepower driving the event, with a total of four teams, or eight draft horses, taking turns offering sleigh rides to guests. They are the real reason, teamster and event coordinator Kelly MacIntosh said, everyone loves a sleigh ride.
“It’s heartwarming to see the same guests returning each year, who remember exactly what horses they shared a sleigh ride with, by name,” she said. “Kids especially love to learn about each individual horse, the little quirks which make them all unique. They want to hear which horse runs the fastest, who is the biggest horse, and who likes to make a nest in the straw they sleep in.
“Adults love to hear about the tradition of using draft horses, the sleighs, how the equipment works and what it was originally intended for. Some of our teamsters have a wealth of knowledge and are happy to have people of all ages interested in learning about draft horses and horse drawn equipment. Our horses are everything to us and we love to share the experience.”
Sleigh rides are approximately 20-25 minutes long, and the sleighs can seat up to 14 people. The whole experience will take approximately an hour and then guests can get home in time for dinner or holiday festivities. Afternoon and evening times are available.
Tickets must be purchased in advance through Ticketseller.ca or by calling
Special thanks to Okanagan Restoration Services, Downtown Dental and Orthodontics, Rellish Transport Services, Vertex Systems, and North Okanagan Roofing for the sponsorship support ensuring a donation is made to the North Okanagan Hospice Society as the Charity of Choice for this years sleigh ride event by Horse Drawn Okanagan.
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