The Villages Daily Sun

WEIRSDALE — Haley Tanner, 11, danced the Irish way with Kharisma, a Dutch Warmblood Mare, who was being led by rider Carol Smith.

“She can outrun my horse,” Smith said.

“It’s kind of tiring,” Haley said.

The two dancers were gracefully trotting together at Austin Horse Park for the 10th annual Carriage & Horse Festival Saturday. Smith said it was her dream to ride her horse with Haley dancing at the same time.

“Young lady, that was unbelievable,” a man said to Haley after she finished.

The unique bond between rider and horse was celebrated all day as crowds gathered for carriage driving, horseback riding and more as 12 rare and unique breeds of horses and donkeys were showcased. The animals included a huge donkey, known as a Poitou (pronounced Paw-Too), who was leading his owners near the breed barn, and an English Shire named Hercules, about 2,500 pounds of gentle giant.

“I ride him,” said Brenda Hall, a farm manager with New England Shire Centre . “These guys are so user-friendly, it’s not even funny.”

Proving her point, Hall walked right underneath Hercules belly and he remained still the whole time.

Even the police were on horses as they directed traffic and watched over the attendees.

Shelley Oates, a senior equine assistant at the park, rode in a two-wheeled cart pulled by her four-legged friend, Jay, a Welsh Cross pony.

“Today (Saturday), he was like a freight train,” Oates said. “Driving is such a huge trust thing.”

When horses are harnessed for driving, they wear blinkers which only let them see straight ahead. It’s up to the rider to give the right direction as horse and driver move, even through an obstacle course of big rocks.

“It’s very exciting,” Oates said.

Some riders weren’t content to sit still on the saddles or in carriages. Some riders performed feats of daring, including head stands and back flips off their saddles.

Gloria Austin, founder of the Austin Carriage Museum, was riding a 19-year-old Paso Fino horse named Cibuco. She was riding in a parade of breeds and liked seeing people enjoy the pastime she loves.

“I am absolutely flabbergasted,” Austin said. “I love people, and I love horses.”

Suzanne Behrens and her daughter, Ashley, enjoyed their first time at the festival.

“All of them (the horses) are just beautiful, powerful-looking and gentle,” Behrens said. “My daughter is taking lessons from one of the ladies out here. We’d thought we’d come and support her.”

Villager Anna May Arenella was getting an education in horses as she watched the animals and riders perform.

“This place is just beautiful,” Arenella said. “I’m enjoying it tremendously. I especially loved the little girl (Haley) and the Celtic demonstration. She reminded me of my granddaughter.”

Sean Maxfield is a reporter with the Daily Sun. He can be reached at 753-1119, ext. 9303 or sean.maxfield@thevillagesmedia.com.