CONA-Summer-2018.Pdf

Carriage

Spring 2012 CourierA publication of the Carriage Operators of North America Summer 2018 Southern Charm in the Holy City Charleston CONA 2018 — Charleston, South Carolina C.A.R.E.S. by Judith Kinney Paisley At the end of the movie Gone with the Wind, Rhett Butler famously declared, “I’m going back to Charleston, where there’s still a little grace and civility left in the world.” In February, the CONA 2018 conventioneers delighted in this exquisite city on South Carolina’s coast, a venue ranked as the nations’ Number One Tour- ist Destination (per Conde Nast) for many years’ running. With this enviable status, Charleston enjoys both expertise and

Carriages from Palmetto, Old South and Charleston Carriage works wait to start our tour Welcome to beautiful Charleston, with horses and mules. We toured and ate, as our convention hotel right located right every barn had tables piled high with won- downtown, off Francis Marion Square. derful Southern pastries for breakfast. Af- The first day of the convention, Tour Day, ter admiring horses and carriages, it was dawned bright, sunny and warm as we time for us to experience this famous tour- headed on foot (or golf cart) to the stables ist attraction for ourselves. One by one, and offices of Charleston’s “big three” car- hitches from all three companies left the riage companies: Palmetto, Old South and stables and lined up for boarding, with sin- Charleston Carriage Works. It was open gle large drafts and smaller teams.hitched barn at all three facilities. Owners and em- to 12-passenger wagonettes. We headed ployees guided us through tours of each of off, only to immediately stop at what ap- the stables and introduced some of their continued on page 9 continued on page 3

Cowboy Up in Fort Worth Where the West Begins Mark your calendars for the 2019 CONA convention in beautiful Fort Worth Texas, February 21-23, 2019. Where else can you experience a cattle drive, quietly contemplate the art of Monet and Van Gogh, dine at a sumptuous steakhouse, and line dance at the world’s largest honky tonk – all in one day? Fort Worth is home to quaint shops, restaurants, night life, ro- deo and historic landmarks of the authentic Old West. And horses! This lively venue will serve as a backdrop to our great lineup of convention speakers, meetings and annual dinner. Please save the date! 2 CarriageCourier CONA BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2018 OFFICERS Beth Podhajecki, President President’s Corner Loon Meadow Farm PO Box 267 • Greenfield Center, NY 12833 by Beth Podhajecki hosted at our place, Loon Meadow Farm, [email protected] 518-893-6116 Greetings all! over the years. It’s a fun way to build rap-

Nicky Van Tuyl, Vice President I’m honored to be port among companies and to build and Vintage Carriage Company the new president enhance membership in CONA. I encour- 69 Lincoln Blvd, Ste A-157 • Lincoln CA 95648 of CONA. My hus- age everyone reading this to reach out in [email protected] 800-426-3321 band Steve and I some way to potential new members and own and operate a invite them to join. It can be as simple as Larry Chapman, Treasurer Remuda Tire Co. commercial carriage sharing our newsletter with a new start-up 15742 Colorado Blvd • Brighton, CO 80602 company in upstate NY providing private or non-member company. Perhaps sitting [email protected] 303-252-0546 carriage and sleigh rides and servicing down over a cup of coffee with a prospec- special events. We have been members tive member or mentioning CONA to the Mary Lou Gwozdek, Secretary Bright Star Carriages LLC of CONA for 20 years. I had been a board fellow carriage operator, carriage manu- 10041 S. Westminster Rd. • Guthrie, OK 73044 member for many years, Steve and I had facturer or other supplier to our trade that [email protected] 405-317-8722 been the membership liaisons for quite continued on page 14 some time up until a few years ago. BOARD MEMBERS I’d like to say that I am thankful for the Bridger Medlin foresight of our founding members who Southern Breezes Carriage Co. • Monroe, NC [email protected] in 1988 recognized the value of strength 704-301-5111 in numbers and the need to educate the Broderick Christoff public in regards to the lives of commer- Charleston Carriage Works • Charleston, SC cial carriage horses. I want to thank our [email protected] 843-779-1279 two most recent presidents, Dave Thur- ston and Linda Kramer, for their leader- James Lauga Royal Carriages ship and devotion to our group. 1824 North Rampart St. • New Orleans, LA 70116 CONA recently celebrated its 30th [email protected] 504-943-8820 birthday at our February convention in Charleston, SC. Like the many conven- John “Jack” Kliever New Deal Farm tions I’ve attended in the past, this con- 2415 Tower Hill Rd • Saunderstown RI 02874 vention was time and money well spent. [email protected] 401-295-4490 The energy boost one experiences from networking and socializing with like-mind- Mike Miller The Hitching Company ed peers in our very specialized industry 25200 Elmira St. NE • Stacy, MN 55079 never ceases to impress me. Whether [email protected] 612-338-7777 you are a vendor within the carriage industry; run a large operation with many Mark Donovan Magical Journeys Carriage Service employees, horses and carriages; or are 2058 Farnam St. • Omaha, NE 68102 a small mom and pop carriage business, [email protected] 402-453-6745 the common thread that binds us is our devotion to our horses and our pride in Tommy Doyle Palmetto Carriage our companies. CONA members are 8 Guignard St. • Charleston, SC 29401 hard-working, compassionate folks who [email protected] understand the concept of “one hand 843-723-8145 washes the other;” we are team players! Skip Maletzke Spur of the Moment Ranch As we enter into our association’s 14221 Helen Lane • Mountain, WI 54149 fourth decade I think it is a good time [email protected] to emphasize our goals. Constant goals 715-276-3726 are to increase membership in the USA, Donna Friedlander Tally-Ho Carriage Tours Canada, and Mexico and to educate our 1960 White Road • Victoria, BC Canada V8M1V9 members in all things carriage related. [email protected] There are many ways to encourage +1-250-514-9257 membership. One example is the one- To submit articles or for more information day gatherings of regional carriage oper- about the Carriage Courier, please ators that Steve and I have occasionally contact Judy Paisley, Newsletter Editor at [email protected] or call at (610) 368-3822. 3 CarriageCourier

Charleston C.A.R.E.S. cont. from page 1 responsibility as a trailblazer in tourism, for the responsible, humane, and ethical the public, who are invited to visit and with horse-drawn carriage tours a corner- use of working horses in an urban envi- tour each of the stables; and also via a stone of Charleston tourism. Charleston ronment, standards to which we could dynamic website, which can be found at has an especially well-developed pro- all aspire. Charleston C.A.R.E.S. provi- www.charlestoncares.com. The website gram of support of its thriving commercial sions cover the same areas of safety, is full of video clips highlighting informa- carriage industry. work hours, living conditions, and train- tive topics and updates highlighting cur- The carriage horses in Charleston are ing as the City of Charleston’s Municode rent issues, such as horse vacations, car- such an integral component of Charles- for carriage horses, with the caveat that riage weights, horse temperatures, and ton’s historic district that horse-drawn the city code “should not only be adhered even evacuation procedures utilized for carriages are the preferred conveyance to but exceeded to ensure the utmost Hurricane Irma. Other video clips feature through the city’s historic downtown and protection for working equines.” Some different employees from each carriage waterfront. The City of Charleston’s De- of the measures C.A.R.E.S. members company personally demonstrating their partment of Livability and Tourism over- have committed to are: have their horses love and devotion to their horses. A view sees the city’s horse carriage operations checked by a veterinarian at least three of the videos online readily show how the and is constantly striving for how best times per year, have their body tempera- C.A.R.E.S. member carriage companies to regulate the safe operation of horse- tures checked before and after each tour are dedicated to the safety and health of drawn vehicles. The Department just (trip) around town, have a minimum 15 their horses and the people whom they hired its first, full time Equine Manager minute break between each tour, and transport around town. to administer the city’s comprehensive have at least two weeks off for every four Charleston C.A.R.E.S. is a wonder- code of ordinances governing the car- months of work. ful example of how our love and passion riage horses. These ordinances cover Charleston C.A.R.E.S. sets a high bar for carriage horses can be shared with everything from the horses’ zones of for the safety of its horses, its staff, and other horse professionals and the public. operation, diapering of horses, harness- the general public. For each horse, prior Other cities, towns, and carriage compa- ing, body condition scoring, shelter, tem- to working as a tour horse, the horse re- nies can benefit from the great example perature, water, food, transport, equine ceives over 100 hours training to make set forth by the C.A.R.E.S. standards hours worked/vacations, size of stall, and sure it is ready for its work in the historic and good will happening every day in electrolyte supplementation, to name just area in the city streets. C.A.R.E.S. mem- Charleston, South Carolina. a few provisions. The carriages are digi- bers attend quarterly tally monitored and tracked; any errant safety meetings for con- horse droppings or puddles are tagged, tinuing education of car- surveilled and cleaned up immediately riage industry employ- by a crew on constant standby for such ees and are required to events. From a tourism business stand- meet rigorous safety re- point, the city of Charleston has wisely quirements for transport- invested in the humane and successful ing their horses, veteri- operation of its fine carriage horses. nary care, and training Even with these extensive require- of both horses and staff. ments in place, three of the leading car- For some in the riage companies in Charleston have commercial carriage formally and publicly committed to even horse industry, these higher standards of care for their carriage measures are no dif- horses. Charleston Carriage Works, Old ferent than the quality South Carriage Company, and Palmetto and standards of care Carriage Company have joined togeth- we employ in our own er to form Charleston C.A.R.E.S. – the stables. But Charleston Charleston Carriage Association for Re- C.A.R.E.S. takes it a sponsible Equine Safety. Charleston step further with show- C.A.R.E.S. is dedicated to promoting a casing its practices via gold standard for excellence for working outreach to the public as animals, namely, the carriage horses of a user-friendly and trans- Charleston. parent liaison between For the Charleston C.A.R.E.S. mem- the carriage horses and ber carriage companies, the horses’ safe- the public. C.A.R.E.S. ty/well-being is their highest obligation. provides education and The consortium has defined standards information directly to 4 CarriageCourier

Commercial Carriages – Share the Joy Article by Ann Pringle, excerpted for the in Palm City, Florida. Both were carriage driving and have two additional employees. CONA Carriage Courier, with permission drivers before they met and married While the six grey ponies from their from the full article appearing in Driving twenty years ago when living in the Mid- original competition team are still work- Digest Magazine, Spring 2018 west. Heather and David both competed ing, and have gone from competition Today, hundreds of commercial car- at the FEI level; Heather in combined ponies to being very popular ‘princess riage companies are at the ready to driving with a four-in-hand of gray Welsh ponies,’ the Schneiders have acquired provide the public with a broad range of ponies, and David with a single horse. three Clydesdales for bigger events and experiences. These companies do more They first dipped their toes into the two white draft cross mares that they use than take customers for a carriage ride. commercial side of driving in 2013 when for Baraats and Vidai- traditional Indian They make memories that will last a life- a friend asked if she could use the wedding ceremonies. A Baraat is the time. But it isn’t easy. It takes hard work, Schneider’s ponies for her wedding in groom’s procession. The groom rides reliable, well-trained animals, safe equip- Wellington at the International Polo Club. in on a white horse, showing the bride’s ment, a sense of humor, and a lot of in- Heather got a one-day event insurance family that he is worthy and can afford surance. Here are a few carriage compa- and did the wedding. The ponies were the bride. Pariticipants wear traditional nies from across the United States and fantastic. Since they already had the po- colorful costumes. The horse, the Ghodi, how they operate. nies, the harness, carriages, and equip- is adorned with decorations and orna- WIND CHASE FARM ment as well as formal livery, their ini- ments and carries the groom and his Heather and David Schneider own tial investment had already been made. best man. The Schneiders provide the and operate Wind Chase Farm, based They had everything except commercial mare, the costumes, and two handlers carriages and ad- who lead the horse into the ceremony ditional insurance, and keep things safe. so the transition Wind Chase Farm has won the es- from competition teemed 2018 WeddingWire Couples’ to special events Choice Award for horse-drawn carriage was not too difficult. transportation in Florida. Since that first ON A SMALLER SCALE wedding, Wind Jessica Buchanan Tanglao has just Chase has grown. started her own horse-drawn carriage They do about business. Before setting out on her own, 100 events each she spent ten years working for the Lex- year. August and ington Carriage Company in Virginia and September are learning the business. Jessica lives in their quiet months; Pasadena, Maryland, located between they are booked Baltimore and Annapolis. Her barn is very solidly from Octo- close to the causeway that goes to Gib- ber through July. son Island, a small, very affluent, gated David and Heather Schneider give carriage rides around historic Stuart, Heather and Da- community just off the western shore of Florida, during the holidays. Photo courtesy of Heather Schneider. vid do most of the Chesapeake Bay.

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cident to disprove harness horses, Standardbreds, and that theory. several types of carriages. The closed Jessica always Amish buggy can take a family or small takes a helper with group. For bigger groups, they use a her to the events. Market Wagon with sides that roll up. She believes it is Ann explains that they had to have their important to have Amish buggies made larger for American someone on the visitors who are a little bit larger than the ground the head average Amish person, to make their ride the horse and more comfortable. At Aaron and Jessica’s wherever needed. Buggy Rides, they have nine 15-passen- Often that person ger wagonettes. Weight isn’t much of an is her husband. issue for the horses, as they travel down Whoever the hard-surfaced roads and the carriages helper is, it needs roll easily. to be a person Ann says the horses don’t care about knowledgeable the weight, but they do care how many Jenny and Jake, Percheron Arabian crosses owned by Shana Layman of Lexington Carriage Company, are put to a hotel surrey about horses, car- times they go around the block. Some of replica made by Justin Carriage Works. Jessica learned to drive riages, and har- the horses know the route and could do with these two more than 10 years ago. Jenny and Jake are still ness. In the case the tour without a driver! Many of their working for Lexington Carriage Company and are regarded as the of a wedding, horses have been working 10 to 12 years. “A” team because they can go anywhere and do anything. she was advised The horses work in shifts; after several Photo courtesy of Lexington Carriage Company. by the insurance hours, a new team is substituted in. Forty company not to to 60 horses in shoes is a big effort. Every Gibson Island is a popular place for have her helper assist the bride and other Thursday, they take a group of horses to weddings and special events, and be- members of the wedding party getting in the Amish farrier. They use borium on the cause it is so close, Jessica can drive her and out of the carriage. They prefer that shoes to keep them from slipping on the horse across the causeway and does not someone from the wedding party handle pavement. need to use a truck and trailer to travel to that responsibility. The horses have to be unfazed by the event. She has just one carriage, a THE AMISH EXPERIENCE bicycles and buses. Many roads around vis-a-vis, for her business in addition to Ann Gardner has been involved in Lancaster County have buggy lanes, her combined driving marathon carriage. several capacities at Aaron and Jessica’s which according to Ann are a blessing She may add other carriages in the future Buggy Rides in Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylva- and a curse. They allow cars and trucks as her business grows but for now, this nia. Lancaster County is Amish Country. to pass the buggies at 60 miles per hour. works for every event she does. Ann has been a driver as well as part of The local residents get very frustrated Jessica says the first thing someone the management side of the business. when they have to drive their cars behind needs who might be contemplating get- The company operates in four locations a buggy, anxious to get where they are ting into the commercial carriage busi- and provides several different experi- going. Ann says that accidents with the ness is a well-trained horse that is used ences: private tours, an Amish Town Tour, commercial carriages are extremely low. to ‘scary’ things. She uses her horse that an Amish Farm Tour, and a Cookie Tour It is much higher with private carriages she competed with. Once you have the (a drive through a farm with a stop at a being hit from behind. right horse, Jessica says the second most farm stand). The carriage tour business thrives in important thing is insurance. She has a Tourism is the #1 industry in this Lancaster County for two reasons, ac- commercial liability policy. She told the area with people coming from all over cording to Ann. The first is, of course, underwriter what she wanted to do and the world to learn about Amish life. They the Amish community. The second is that the company was able to put together a come by the busload. They want to ride Lancaster County has few regulations special package to fit her needs. Jessica in an Amish carriage, see an Amish farm, governing horse use, although permits advises people to get the highest amount and visit the Amish shops; they want to are required to run a commercial carriage of coverage they can – at least $1 million meet them, talk to them and learn why business. As with many animal enterpris- per occurrence. Some people might think the Amish want to live the way they do. es, these commercial carriage compa- that because they may only do two or The carriage rides help them make their nies are subject to criticism from animal three commercial jobs a year, they don’t experience complete. rights activists. need as much, but it only takes one ac- The company uses crossbreds, Dutch continued on page 6 6 CarriageCourier

Commerical Carriages cont. from page 5 a driver handbook At Yellow Rose Carriages, Dave orga- to help operators nized a ‘Meet a Carriage Horse Day’ in run a better and downtown Indianapolis last summer. Pro- more profitable testers showed up carrying signs. Dave business. CONA spent 45 minutes talking to them. He said represents driv- the protestors believed that when the car- ers’ interests at the riage company retired a horse, they were American Horse euthanized. Nothing could be further Council and the from the truth. They have a list of people Animal Welfare ready to adopt a carriage horse when it Council. retires. Another objection activists have According to is that the horses have not given consent Dave, the one best to work. Some activists are unwilling to thing about CONA change their beliefs, even then presented is the networking with contradictory evidence. Nothing says romance more than a Cinderella carriage. Indiana opportunities that Dave’s horses spend a few days Carriage is ready to make a wedding even more special. it can provide to a week in a downtown stable and are Photo courtesy of Indiana Carriage. people all over the brought back to the farm for the rest of U.S. and Canada. the week. He says they run up to the gate CONA Members are always ready to share their when it is time to be taken back into town The Carriage Operators of America experiences and give advice to those who for work. They enjoy their job. Making was established in 1998. are new or who have a problem. CONA horses work that don’t enjoy working in Dave Thurston is the immediate past- also provides support on a local level when a downtown environment just isn’t safe. president of CONA; he also operates two a carriage operator is facing restrictions or Does CONA have a way to police any companies. The Yellow Rose give tours elimination by a city. They write letters to bad actors in the industry? While they in Indianapolis, Indiana. The other, which city councils when they are considering re- don’t have an official policy, someone he operates from his farm in central In- stricting carriage operations. They point out from CONA will reach out and explain to diana, does special events like hayrides, the benefits that the carriage operations the operator that what they are doing is weddings, and funerals. Living in a cold- bring to the city and educate those at the dangerous and they are doing a disser- er climate, the Yellow Rose shuts down local government level about the industry. vice to the industry if they continue. when the Christmas lights are turned off Battling animal rights activists is an Those who might be thinking about in Indianapolis and starts up again when ongoing struggle that CONA faces. Dave using their horses and carriages in a the weather warms up. says the activists present a very one-sid- commercial way would be well-advised CONA’s mission is to promote the ed and often completely false narrative of to see what CONA can offer. Driving your humane welfare of carriage animals, to the whole carriage industry. Right now it horse and carriage commercially may or provide quality carriage and customer is CONA’s biggest challenge. Dave be- may not be for you, but for these opera- service, to be the voice of the profes- lieves their issue “isn’t about horse wel- tors and many others, it is a way to share sional carriage industry, to provide open fare because if it were, we would be right the joy of horses and carriages with oth- communication and education to mem- there – arm in arm with them providing ers, making memories for them that will bers and the public on the carriage trade, better treatment of horses. It is our pas- last a lifetime. and encourage networking and sharing sion. Their real agenda is to eliminate of ideas throughout the carriage industry. human-animal interaction because they The Luminary Shoppe CONA has an annual convention, held don’t think people should own pets, or A Division of Patrick Enterprises, Inc. Carriage lamps in February, this year in Charleston, South horses, or other animals. It is pretty scary, Designed especially Carolina. CONA currently has about 70 and they will stop at nothing to present For the livery service member companies; the number has the carriage industry in a bad light.” Available in fluctuated over the years. Annual dues CONA teaches their people that when 12 volt, oil or candle are $125 for new members and $100 approached by activists they should an- Black or White for renewing members. They publish a swer honestly any questions that demon- Repairs Restoration newsletter and are currently revamp- strators might have and offer them an op- Custom lamps ing their website. Both offer interesting portunity to look behind the scenes, visit Restored lamps and educational information. The web- their barns and see how the horses are For sale Rick & Pat Bischoff site provides a search feature to enable treated and what is done to protect them. 11 Gray Lane . Joliet, MT 59041 people to find a carriage company if they 406-962-3677 . E-mail:[email protected] Dave explains this is not really what the www.luminaryshoppe.com type in a geographic range. They publish demonstrators want. 7 CarriageCourier Troyer Carriage Co., Inc.

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Convention cont. from page 1 manicured fields, beautifully maintained rings, horse show stalls, wash stalls and restrooms. Once again, our Charleston carriage company hosts supplied the horses and vehicles for our enjhoyment: Upon arriving and grabbing box lunches, we watched as several different hitches pulled by horses and mules were read- ied, including a four-up with expert team- ster Mike Miller (The Hitching Company, Minneapolis) on the lines. While most CONA members can drive a single or a team in their sleep, it was quite another thing to control a four horse hitch. More A line of carriages waiting at the “lottery machine” shack to get their tour routes. than one novice had the lead team headed one way and the wheel team another. peared to be an odd lottery machine. It know how much “help” he would receive But practice made perfect, and there was turns out that there are so many tours in from a wagon full of carriage drivers, but a great sense of accomplishment by the Charleston that the route for each tour was very good natured to take all of our end of the day. Even Leslie, Palmetto’s needs to be randomly chosen in order to unsolicited advice and corrections. Customer Service manager who had evenly distribute carriage traffic through- After a 45 minute narrated tour, we never driven, took a turn at the cart (yes, out the city. Once our tour was selected, were dropped off at the Battery, with its Leslie, there is a picture somewhere!). off we went. Our poor tour guide did not beautiful view of Charleston Harbor and Dinner that evening was on our own. the famous Civil Day Two was Education Day, and as War landmark, Fort always, the speakers were informative Sumter. From there, and entertaining. After a lovely Southern it was into the cool breakfast buffet, our first presenter was comfort of the 1825 Dan Riccio, Head of the Department of Edmondston-Alston Livability and Tourism for the City of House, where Gen- Charleston. This unique and necessary eral P. T. Beaure- municipal agency deals with all the rami- gard watched the fications of the tourism industry, but has fierce bombardment a major role with the carriage industry. of Ft. Sumter on We were amazed to learn that in 2016, April 12, 1861, sig- there were 42,000 carriage rides - not naling the start of RIDERS, but rides - in the city. Dan’s de- the Civil War. After partment has an Equine Manager who our tour, a phalanx does daily animal welfare checks, barn of carriages was inspections, and accident response when waiting to return us necessary. They are also responsible for to our starting point. using technology (the “Weatherbug” app) Our next activity to determine when to shut down carriage required a modern rides due to heat, which is when the tem- mode of travel, so perature reaches 95 or the heat index we boarded a bus reaches 110. for Johns Island, the Next up was Tyler Jones of SPEAK location of the spec- Strategic. Tyler’s organization has been tacular Mullet Hall working to counter the anti-carriage ele- Equestrian Center. ment after an incident in June 2016, when This 40-acre fa- a carriage horse tripped and fell, and the cility, maintained incident blew up on social media. Shortly by the Charleston thereafter, the Charleston Animal Society County Parks sys- started targeting the carriage industry. tem, is, a horse- With their huge Facebook following, their Heading out on our tour of the city. man’s paradise of continued on page 11 10 CarriageCourier

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Convention continued from page 9 add this to our voicemail message, website, anything else. Another important tip: Be careful of your resting face! You may look bored, irritated, or sad. You need to be mindful of posture when around customers, also tone of voice on the phone. That evening we were free to explore and enjoy the city on our own. The final day started with a morning presentation from Jacob and Matt from FareHarbour: “online booking software and support made to help you grow.”. https://fareharbor.com/. Lastly was the membership meeting Everyone taking turns driving a 4 at Mullet Hall Equestrian Center on Johns Island and elections: President- Beth Podhajecki videos were getting upward of 35 million entering code PHBWQ4K9 http://www. Treasurer: Larry Chapman views, and there is even an anti-carriage thecavalrygroup.com. Vice President: Nicki Van Tuyl billboard on the highway into the city. In After a break for lunch, Officer Todd Secretary: Mary Lou Gwozdek 2017, 3 carriage operators (Charleston Catoe of the South Carolina State Trans- Board Members: Carriage Works, Old South Carriage port Police kept us entertained and edu- 2 year terms Company, and Palmetto) joined together cated as he discussed the complicated Donna Friedlander to established “Charleston C.A.R.E.S” and byzantine laws for hauling livestock James Lauga (Carriage Assn for Charleston Equine across state lines. Even if this entire Broderick Christoff Safety), and along with Tyler, they are newsletter were dedicated to this topic, it Jack Kliever proactively managing the message- see could not be sufficiently or clearly sum- 1 year term https://www.charlestoncares.com/. marized here. Officer Catoe’s takeaway Bridger Medlin Suggestions to protect & strengthen is this: “It’s all about liability, you need The crowning jewel of the convention industry: to do the research and follow the rules. was a charming, unique evening banquet • Establish online presence Even if you don’t know the rules.” in the stabling area at Palmetto Carriage. • Forge relationship w/ industry reporters Last up for the day was David McNair As a group, we’re all more comfortable in • Implement crisis communication plan of The McNair Group, a business man- a barn than a banquet hall! We devoured • Get political agement consultant from Mount Pleasant, delicious Southern barbecue while listen- • Work together with other companies South Carolina. Highlighting portions of ing to lovely gospel music from The Plan- • Have an FAQ pamphlet or page on his book, Exceptional Customer Service, tation Singers. website David encouraged us to show CARE. CONA owes a debt of thanks to our Most importantly: All companies need Care for animals, care for carriages, care Charleston hosts, the Doyle Family of to have a unified response. Be transparent. for customers. This is what connects with Palmetto Carriage Works. See you next Each incident affects the entire industry. customers, and we should make sure to year in Fort Worth! CONA’s long-time friend Mindy Pat- terson was our next speaker. Mindy is President of the Cavalry Group. As a registered lobbyist, Mindy goes to Wash- ington DC monthly to advocate for animal owners nationwide. Mindy reminded us that many people don’t understand the difference between animal welfare vs animal rights, and constant education is necessary. Her organization has an animal welfare handout that they’ll send to any requester. Make sure everyone knows that your animals live better than most humans! Mindy urged us to join her organization, and told us that CONA members can receive a 15% discount by The barn at Palmetto Carriage Works transformed into a banquet hall. 12 CarriageCourier

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Should you be a non-member reading this please CONA is the principal organization in North America representing both large and Our Policies Include: small operators in the professional carriage industry. join! If you’ve lapsedInsuring in your membership please renew at the renewal rate. If you “A” Rated Companies By joining CONA, you become a part of this powerful unified voice renew or join nowCarriage, your membership Sleigh & will Limits Up to $1,000,000 per occur- extend through 2019, you’ll be given 6 and receive many ongoing benefits: rence months free! Wagon Rides ♦ CONA is recognized as the primary voice of the professional carriage One of the primary goals is for CONA $50,000 Coverage for Damage to industry by the AWC (Animal Welfare Council and the AHC (American Pony Rides to be a leader in educating the public Property Rented to You! Horse Council), through CONA you can impact equine legislation. about the humane care our horses re- Horses, Trainers, Farms Defense Costs Outside the Limits ♦ CONA has a proven track record of preventing closure or unreasonable ceive. In the Winter 2018 newsletter there restrictions of carriage operations in Washington DC, Philadelphia, Little was a great articleGuided by Dave Trail Thurston Rides de- Same Day Coverage Using Rock and San Francisco. scribing his company’s “Meet a Carriage Visa or MasterCard Horse Day.” WhatPetting a nice eventZoos he held! ♦ CONA provides valuable networking -- Bridles to diaper bags, marketing, business concepts, ideas for resolving difficult issues, leads on personnel, Other members haveRodeos told me of unique horses, equipment and insurance. ways they’re educating the public; take a carriage horse to school events, invite ♦ www.cona.org -- The official website provides an easy to use National carriage directory, web links, website hosting and webpage design. youth groups to visit, hold open houses so your neighbors can meet you and the ♦ Expert resources to assist you in dealing with government agencies and horses. Today it is more important than Agri-Risk Services special interest groups - AWC, safety, operations and training. ever to get our message out to counteract (CONA Member) the misinformationCall being Us Directly dispersed and ♦ Carriage Operators Guidelines -- Nationally recognized by professional car- 7540 W. 160th Street, Suite 100 riage operators, States and Municipalities. to educate those who simply don’t know what the lifeFor of Morea carriage Information horse entails. At Overland Park, KS 66085 ♦ Drivers Training Manual -- a step-by-step manual to help you run a more Please feel free to contact me or any Phone: 1-913-897-1699 profitable business. of the other 1-800-821-5558 board members with your Fax: 1-913-1699 ♦ Annual Convention -- Packed with information, tours and ideas to make ideas about building the membership or Websites: tour business grow and prosper. for any other reasonsDr. Lance or concerns. Allen We, your officers and directors, are all volun- www.agririsk.com ♦ Newsletter -- Late breaking carriage news and advertisement. teers who recognizeExtension the importance 314 of www.equineinsurance.org CONA is a non profit organization which is dedicated to the the Carriage Operators of North America; E-Mail: well-being of the horse drawn carriage industry. as our missionMs. statement Joyce states: Teeters [email protected] “CONA is committed to promoting the Please support and defend the carriage industry and Extension 306 [email protected] your own carriage company by joining us. welfare of carriage animals. We promote quality carriage and customer service. Send the enclosed application or join by accessing www.cona.org We strive to be the voice of the professional carriageAgri-Risk industry Services byhas representingbeen insuring horses, farms and equine businesses in the United our membershipStates since and1976. assisting Our longstanding govern success- comes from our dedicated, professional staff ment agenciesalong with at the the financial local, securitystate and of thefed world’s- strongest insurance companies. We are proud FOR SALE - Retiring from 30+ years of carriage business eral levels. We provide open communicato serve- our friends in CONA! ~ We have three Anderson Vis-à-vis Carriages used only for reservations: ~ tions and education for members and the Burgundy, White, Blue, each with full set of curtains public on the operation and management of the carriage trade. We encourage net- ~ Two Amish made fine driving harnesses with stainless steel hames ~ working and sharing of ideas throughout ~ S & S gooseneck trailer holds two carriages and two draft horses – 8 x 8 x 38 ft ~ the industry.” I’ll end with an old Irish blessing: ~ Modified 5th wheel aluminum semi-trailer used for storage with 16” new torflex axles ~ May the road rise up to meet you, ~ Bits, whips, diapers, bells ~ May the wind be always at your back, ~ Three sets draft horse team harness ~ May the sun shine warm upon your face, and the rain fall soft upon your fields, and Call for prices: 320-253-4132 – Greg & Katie Szczech, Golden Shoe, Inc. until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of his hand. 15 CarriageCourier CARRIAGE OPERATORS OF NORTH AMERICA RENEWAL / MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

Last Name______First Name______Company Name______Phone__(______)______Street Address______City______State______Zip______Mailing Address (if different from Street Address)______E-Mail Address______Web Site______Referred By______Service Area______Amount Enclosed______Is this a Renewal ______Yes ______No

Signature______Date______New Membership is $125 Renewal Membership is $100 (US funds only please) Non-Voting Affiliate (of a current CONA member) $25 Make Check Payable to CONA & remit to CONA Membership • PO Box 267 • Greenfield Center, NY 12833 Be sure to note if you do NOT want e-mail or web site information included in the Membership Directory and the CONA web site.

MEMBERSHIP REMINDER Has your membership lapsed? Renewing NOW will extend your rates into 2019, which means you’ll get 6 months free! RATES $125 New CONA members $100 Renewing members $ 25 Non-voting Affiliate (of a current CONA member)

JUST FOR LAUGHS A guy is walking through the country when he spots a sign that reads, “Talking Horse for Sale.” Intrigued, he walks up to the stable to check it out. “So what have you done with your life?” he asks the horse. “I’ve led a full life,” the horse answers miraculously. “I was born in The Andes where I herded for an entire village. Years later, I joined the mounted police force in New York and helped keep the city clean. And now, I spend my days giving free rides to underprivileged kids here in the country.” The guy is flabbergasted. He asks the horse’s owner, “Why on earth would you want to get rid of such an incredible animal?” The owner says, “Because he’s a liar! He never did any of that!” CONA Newsletter P.O. Box 267 Greenfield Center, NY 12833

2019 CONA Convention February 21 – 23, 2019 Fort Worh, Texas

SAVE DATE The 31st Annual CONA Convention will be held in Forth Worth, Texas — February 21 to 23, 2019!