Island Carriage Farm

"step back in time"

North Hero, VT 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

·                    DO THE HORSES LIKE THEIR JOB?

          Carriage horses, such as Tex and Spruce, were bred to work in

            harness.  In fact, the exercise keeps them healthy.  Horses

            recognize, respond to and develop a deep affection (love)

            for their drivers.

·                    DOES THE PAVEMENT HURT THEIR HOOVES?

          No, because these boys wear protective boots.

·                    MAY I PET THE HORSES?

          We ask that you not touch the horses while they are working,

          unless the driver or her footman (helper) gives you permission.

·                    HOW MUCH WEIGHT CAN A HORSE PULL?

          A horse can easily pull a carriage that is 6 times his own

          weight, however most carriage horses are used at only 25%

          of that capacity.  Our boys weigh 1400 pounds each.  They

          are working no-where near their maximum potential.

·                    WHAT IS THE AVERAGE LIFE EXPECTANCY OF A HORSE?

          Twenty five to thirty years.  Horses have been know to live well

          into their forties.

·                    IS IT NORMAL FOR A HORSE TO SWEAT SO MUCH?

          Yes.  It is a natural cooling process, just as it is with people. 

·                    HOW DO HORSES REST?

          Horses usually sleep standing up, often with one hind foot

          cocked.  These boys lay down in their stalls every night and

          sleep like babies.  Often they will lay down outside in the warm

          sunshine and catch an afternoon siesta.

·                    HOW OFTEN DO YOU FEED THE HORSES?

          Our boys get hay 3 times a day.  They get a pellet feed that

          they love twice a day and it has all the nutrients they require.

          They also have salt and mineral blocks they nibble on or lick

           anytime they want.

·                    DO THEY KNOW THEIR NAMES?

          Absolutely!  They know many words.  Carriage horses

          listen to the driver for commands.  They also feel the driver

          with their mouths.  They can't see behind them so they totally

          trust the driver to guide them where they are to go.  There is a

          beautiful bond between a driver and her team!

·                    CAN I GIVE THEM A CARROT?

          That is so sweet of you to offer.  While they are working they

          can't have your treat....but...I will gladly give them your carrot/

          apple tonight with their supper (if you kids write me a note I will

          read it to them, so they know who gave them the tasty treat).

·                    DO YOU LOVE YOUR HORSES?

         We love these boys.

Send mail to rjbayer@fairpoint.net with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2009 Island Carriage Farm, LLC
Last modified: 07/04/09