Last week, I was laid off from my position at Service Corporation International, a company that acquires funeral homes in the U.S. and Canada. My wife and I decided to travel to our property at 70 Mile House to determine my next steps. As we approached Bonaparte Road, we noticed horse-drawn carriages moving around a field, accompanied by a sign that read “Horse Carriage Driving Event.” I conducted some online research and discovered that the Cariboo Country Carriage Club was hosting an event on Saturday and Sunday. I reached out to the host on Facebook to inquire whether the event was open to the public.
On Saturday, the weather was cool, cloudy, and breezy, with forecasts predicting an incoming atmospheric river. We drove over to the Huber Farm and Equestrian Centre, located across Highway 97 from the 70 Mile House store. We planned to learn more about the event, take some photographs, and then drive to 100 Mile House to buy some groceries.
Horse carriage driving is an equestrian sport that tests the driver’s skills and horse handling abilities. The cone course features a series of cones that drivers must navigate without touching or knocking over the balls placed on top of each cone.
We were informed that the marathon would be the main event to watch, taking place on Sunday. During the marathon, drivers and horse carriages navigate a course filled with obstacles, including water features and gates. It is a timed event, and both the driver and the horse carriage must complete the course in the shortest time possible.
People from all over British Columbia, including Quesnel, Abbotsford, the Okanagan, and even the Yukon, travelled to attend this small event. I loved how the community was very friendly and helpful in guiding us through the event’s workings.
