The 45th annual Walnut Hill Carriage Driving Competition brings to life late 19th-century horsepower, sporting tradition, competitive spirit, and fashion in a Victorian country fair atmosphere, all just south of Pittsford village. This year will also include Family Fun Corral, with special children’s activities including face painting, themed crafts, and a photo opportunity with vintage hats and wagon.
“For years, I had heard about this prestigious event and have attended every year since either to compete or to support,” noted longtime competitor Dee Aldrich. “You can always count on a high standard of competition, in addition to witnessing history coming to life! Walnut Hill also has an amazing group of volunteers that keep everything running smoothly while making all the competitors feel like family.”
From small ponies to massive draft horses, and from miniature carts to formal, elegant road coaches, Victorian-era transport is on view for all. More than 100 classes in multiple divisions lend themselves to close-up spectator observation in the Walnut Hill oval. Visitors also can watch some of the Cross-Country events outside of the oval, and all events are scored competitively. Competitive classes include Reinsmanship, Cross-Country, Obstacle Driving, and traditional Turnout. Returning this year is Friday’s popular “Ride and Drive” in which competitors are judged both on their driving and riding skills, as well as the Trade/Commercial division the same day, including mail and market wagons.
In addition to daily competition, additional activities and schedule are as follows:
• Demonstrations by Bee Tree Trail with their matched Percheron horses, including the rare five-horse pentadom (“suicide”) hitch (Friday night and Saturday)
• Antique Steam Fire Engine Pumper from Friendship, NY Fire Department (Friday, 8 pm)
• New Family Fun Corral children’s activities and photo opportunities with vintage hats and carriage (Friday-Sunday)
• Wegmans Ascot Picnic Night (Friday evening during Carriage Dog & Costume Classes)
• Five-mile Presentation Pleasure Drive through Mendon Ponds Park (Sunday, 9 am)
• Rochester Scottish Pipes and Drums (Sunday, 11:30 am)
• Food and boutiques
• Carriage Museum
• Walnut Hill Hall of Fame
Spectators are also free to visit the on-ground stables to watch horses being bathed and groomed, and carriages and harnesses cleaned and polished.
Geneseo’s Ed Young returns as Show Manager to re-ignite the vision of Founder Bill Remley who passed away in 2010. “You don’t need to know anything about carriage driving to enjoy our competition,“ said Young. “Part of the experience is spending a day (or more) to watch the competition and enjoy the many additional presentations and demonstrations.” Young has officiated at numerous equestrian events as a Technical Delegate, with experience scoring, organizing, competing and volunteering. He also is Show Manager at the Grand Oak’s Carriage Classic and Horse Festival.
Walnut Hill Driving Competition is located at 397 West Bloomfield Road, Pittsford, NY. Tickets are available at the event for $12/day and free for children under five. Daily and multi-day patron passes—with patron tent access—are also available. Parking is free.
Events begin at approximately 8 am until 5 pm with a lunch break. On Friday evening, spectators are invited to bring a picnic and dress up for Ascot Picnic Night beginning at 5:30 pm. Sunday’s Presentation Drive through Mendon Ponds Park begins at 9 am, and spectators may watch along the route. Visitors are encouraged to visit www.walnuthillfarm.org for the complete schedule, call (585) 746-1080, or email [email protected].
CALENDAR:
What: 45th Anniversary of the Walnut Hill Carriage Driving Competition
When: Wednesday, August 10 through Sunday, August 14 (8:00 am – evening, depending on day)
Where: 397 West Bloomfield Road, Pittsford, NY 14534
Admission: $12 per day; free for children under five. Daily and multi-day patron passes are also available. Parking is free.
Website: www.walnuthillfarm.org