Answers About Our Horses, Rides, and Events

 Collins Cattle & Grove primarily works with Belgian draft horses, a breed known for its strength, steady temperament, and long history in farming, logging, transportation, and other agricultural work.

Belgian horses originated in Belgium and have been used in the United States since the 1800s. Before tractors and trucks became common, draft horses provided much of the power needed to cultivate farmland, move freight, and support rural communities.

Our horses are selected and prepared not only for their strength, but also for their temperament, soundness, and comfort around guests, traffic, and public events. The carriage and wagon loads we use are well within the abilities of properly trained and conditioned draft horses. 

 Our horses are part of the family and receive daily care based on their individual needs. They live on pasture with access to shade and shelter, receive hay and grain as appropriate, and always have access to fresh water.

They are seen by a veterinarian regularly, kept current on routine care and vaccinations, and monitored closely for changes in health, soundness, or behavior. Their workload, conditioning, rest, and event schedule are all adjusted with their comfort and long-term well-being in mind.

 Our horses are not used for carriage work every day. Their event schedule is limited and varies throughout the year, with most of their time spent grazing, training, riding, doing ranch work, participating in therapy activities, and simply being horses.

We plan carriage rides and public appearances around each horse’s condition, experience, workload, and need for rest. Horse welfare always comes before the event schedule. 

 No. Each horse’s collar, harness, and other equipment are fitted carefully for that individual horse and checked regularly for comfort, wear, and proper adjustment.

Their horseshoes are also shaped to fit each hoof, and traction may be added when needed for wet or slippery streets. Routine farrier care helps keep the horses comfortable, balanced, and prepared for the type of work they perform.

 Ride length varies by event, route, and location. Some seasonal tours are short, scheduled carriage rides, while private experiences and guided wagon tours may involve longer routes or operating periods.

The applicable event page or booking listing will provide the expected ride duration and other important details.

 Yes, depending on the role you would like the horses and carriage to play.

Collins Cattle & Grove generally does not provide the traditional bridal entrance or departure portion of the ceremony. Our historic and ranch-style carriages are better suited to guest transportation, wedding activities, photo opportunities, reception rides, and shuttling guests around larger venues.

For couples seeking a formal fairytale-style bridal carriage, we are happy to refer them to a trusted partner who specializes in that type of wedding service.

 Accessibility depends on the carriage being used, the loading area, the event location, and the guest’s ability to enter and exit safely.

Please contact us before booking so we can discuss the specific event and determine whether the available carriage and location can safely accommodate your needs.

 Before the word became associated with truck drivers and labor unions, a teamster was a person responsible for driving and caring for a team of working horses or other draft animals.

Historically, teamsters transported people, farm products, freight, military supplies, and construction materials. The job required much more than holding the reins. A skilled teamster needed to understand the horses, harness, vehicle, route, terrain, weather, traffic, and load.

At Collins Cattle & Grove, the teamster is responsible for the horses, carriage, route, and passengers and has the final say on loading, guest behavior, weather conditions, and whether a ride can safely proceed.