Any carriage drivers in Metro areas?

[Rt66Kix]

I just got a job as a driver for a downtown carriage company, and start training next week. I REALLY like how this company cares for the horses. They are at the barn for no more than 3 weeks before they get a vacation in the country on 200 acres. They stay there for 2-3 weeks, then come back downtown and work again. One horse has heaves, so he gets June-November off every year just to stay in the pasture. He only works in the cooler months. Each horse has his own harness, and we are not paid for that day until the harness is completely cleaned, and the horse at least hosed down and groomed, if not fully bathed. Each horse has is own HUGE stall, and they have a dry lot for turnout. The horses seem quite happy; it's not unusual to see them picking up large orange traffic cones and playing with each other. They are also able to run and play in the large dry lot. I've driven by this barn for years and always loved to see how active and playful they are. Well-fed; good weight; beautiful coats, etc. They are all Percherons.

So how do other drivers "hustle" carriage rides? What have you found that works or doesn't work? Tell me your best and worst stories! Any advice would be welcomed.

Thanks!

[Rt66Kix]

Bump for the morning crowd.

[SmallHerd]

Sounds like a totally cool job!! If it's the place I'm thinking of, you may want to PM jump4it. I think the owner of the company lives down the road from her. If it IS him, he is a great guy and truly cares about his horses. Small world and congratulations!!

[Thomas_1]

I've been in touch with the moderators and asked them to move this to the Driving threads. You'll likely get more response there.

[Moderator 1]

Thanks Thomas! Hopefully Rt66 will get some good feedback here.

Mod 1

[Cielo Azure]

I saw the mod and thought a carriage wreck had occurred...

I have Perchs and have had a lot of friends that do the carriage business over the years but have never done it myself.

1) Be friendly. Solicite conversation "Hi," How are you," or "Good evening."
2) Dress nicely - top hats are a nice touch
3) make it look vintage (as in stepping back in time)
4) Talk with people. People love horse stories.
5) Don't slump and don't look cold
6) Figure out the best places to park your horses (in front of nice restuarants where parking is far away is a a really good spot, for instance or in front of a parking garage)
7) If business is slow, give a free ride (it can be very short)
8) Alot of your business will be with horse lovers, so make small talk about the wonderful horses
9) Some people are there for the romance, you need to assertain/be intuitive whether they want entertainment or be left alone.
10) Be professional
11) have fun and it will show!

Know your traffic laws and be safe!

The carriage accidents that I have heard of again and again are hit and runs from cars not being careful or (often drunk) drivers running into horses/carraiges. Just be really defensive when you are moving and park in places that are well lit and safe.

[Thomas_1]

Here you'd be parked up outside castles and ancient monument buildings. There must be an equivalent though.

You need to be where people will spend money and have time to relax and just enjoy. So outside tourist attractions

Older folks like to reminisce about times of the horse and youngsters like to get involved with the horsey - so where there's families and a good mix of generations.

Have a good groom with you either on the box seat next to you or on the backstep of the vehicle (dependent on what it is you have) and ensure they are polite and friendly and can talk to people and that they know the history of where you are to drive and what's where.

Provide travel rugs to wrap round knees if needed.

In general older folks want to know about the history bit of horse drawn carriages .... so tales of yesteryear.

Kids like to know about the horses and things. I always get them to sing along with me to "carriage songs". Ranging from "surrey with a fringe on top" to "horsey, horsey, don't you stop" and recite poems like "jingle bells" (Xmas obviously!) or Ride a fine horse to Bambury Cross.

Tell folks things like the Queen rides in a carriage and show them how to do the genteel "wave"

Emphasise the:

"bygone era"

"traditional times"

"romance of the period"

"historical connection"

If you're parked up make sure the horses are looked after and are comfortable. Animal lovers will know if your horses are being looked after and will want to use your service.

[deltawave]

Our boss wanted us to wear bathing suits to "hustle" more passengers! :lol: :lol: :lol:

As it was, the dorky polyester white tailcoats, pastel-colored bowties, cummerbunds and white breeches with fake rubber boots were bad enough. :rolleyes: This was, after all, the 1980's. :dead: :lol:

Be friendly, smile, fuss over your horse, don't discourage "petters" (assuming that's company policy and the horse is friendly) and know your local area. Make it obvious you know some out-of-the way spots to show potential passengers. If a couple comes by and are obviously wanting to get romantic, tone down the chatter and let them have their privacy. ;)

Definitely dress for the weather--it is BLOODY COLD standing next to a horse in sub-freezing weather and not moving, dressed in the above-mentioned dorky fashion. Make sure your horse is comfortable, keep a fly whisk and some fly spray handy if you can, during the summer. Blanket during the winter for in-between trips. (one for you, one for the horse!) And make sure there's water available for both of you--you will be attached to the horse 100% of the time, no exceptions, so make sure you have everyone's comfort provided for.

[justslide]

I believe that you are working for my old company! :) I sent you an email from the CD-L. I worked there for several years while I was in college if it is the same place. It was where I discovered driving. I can give you some tips if you like. Just PM me!

Pam

[Rt66Kix]

Thank you everyone! I will be with the St. Louis Carriage Company. Very few rides are prearranged; I'll have to sell the rides on the street. It's commission plus all my tips.

I will wear a tux shirt and vest, a bowtie and tux pants and black paddock boots. And of course a top hat! Since I sew, I'll make my vests out of seasonal/themed fabrics, and do matching colors in the horse's mane roll and tail. Being a former ballroom and swing dancer, I understand costumes and presentation.

We work in downtown St. Louis, right on the Riverfront. There are big hotels, casinos, tons of restaurants and bars, the new stadium where the St. Louis Cardinals play, the Convention Center and the Savvis Center where many concerts are held. The company has about 12 rigs out during the week, and about 16 or more on weekends. In July the All Star baseball game will be played in St. Louis, and I imagine that week will be nuts. We are one of two such carriage companies that operate in downtown St. Louis, so I guess the business is there.

Sorry Thomas, no ancient castles around here!

They also do a nice business with weddings and rides through a local park at Christmas to view the millions of lights. Plus pony rides.

Once again, thanks so much. More advice/ideas are always welcomed.

[justslide]

YGM!

That is my old company! You will LOVE working for them. The horses really do come first for Greg. I had so much fun working there - and have the pictures to prove it. LOL

Pam

[hipy]

I drove carraiges for 5 years in Austin, Texas. It was a fun job but the hours were killer. I worked every Wed. - Sat. night from 5 until anywhere from 12 - 3 am.........then up again on Sunday to work the day shift at the capitol.

I have a pretty big personality and made good money. The secret is location, location, location. In my experience the senior drivers got the best spots. I drove a Perch. stallion who did NOT like being petted so I had a sign on him to leave him alone. Of course drunks can't read so I dealt with a lot of that.

I had lots of repeat customers etc. It helps to know lots and lots about the city your driving in, to have tolerance for stupid people, and to just be happy doing your job!

Good luck!