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The Carriage Association of America (CAA) was founded in 1960 and is the
oldest and largest international organization devoted to the preservation
and restoration of horse-drawn carriages and sleighs. We have introduced
thousands of people to the wonders of collecting these vehicles and the
pleasures of driving them. We help our members discover the beauty and charm
of a lifestyle that has all but vanished from our modern world.
The Founding Members of the CAA had a bold dream, believing that there were many
fellow carriage enthusiasts in the nation, and knowing that, if they were
brought together, the shared knowledge would benefit us all. The Mission
Statement drawn up by these founders has remained the strong backbone of the
organization ever since.
One of the association's early presidents, Sidney Latham, wrote in a letter to the membership: "We cater to those who love the memory of that historic age when horse-drawn vehicles fulfilled so many needs of mankind." He continued, "We strive to be historically accurate, currently informative, and helpful to all who share our appreciation of things that were."
The Carriage Journal, our official publication, has
been distributed to our members without interruption for more than fifty years. Published
five times a year, it contains informative articles about a wide range of
subjects: carriage and driving history, restoration, preservation, driving, harnessing, and news
about CAA meetings and events. The Carriage Journal also introduces its readers
to many of our members and their collections, and visits some of the great
museums around the world.
Membership benefits abound. To name just a few: the opportunity to enter vehicles in the annual CAA Carriage Showcase competition, the opportunity to participate in the CAA Driver Proficiency Program, Members-only discounts in the CAA bookstore, and the opportunity to attend CAA meetings and events.
CAA Conferences and Learning Weekends are held in a variety of locations, with
seminars, drives (at Conferences only), hands-on demonstrations, and social activities. The CAA also hosts an academic symposium (with the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation) every other year; trips to visit carriage collections and driving competitions; and a pleasure-carriage-driving show each summer at the Kentucky Horse Park.
To join the CAA, click here.
For information on contacting the CAA, click here.
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