The Carriage Association of America is excited to celebrate the carriage-driving style of bygone days, which encompasses horsemanship, driving acumen, care and preservation of carriage and harness, and the intangible qualities of good sportsmanship. Driving at the Wethersfield Estate during this special year ties us back to our driving roots. Chauncey Stillman, an early CAA supporter, hosted many carriage drives at Wethersfield and drove his Columbus Buggy Company Saylor Wagon on a daily basis. We are excited to follow in his wheel tracks.
There are three special events planned for the weekend – the CAA 60th Anniversary celebration, the Sporting Day of Traditional Driving and the Carriage Showcase.
Wethersfield Estate
Learn more about this wonderful property located in New York.
Sporting Day of Traditional Driving
Sporting Days are made up of three components.
Carriage Showcase
Have an original or restored vehicle to showcase?
Purchase VIP or General Admission Tickets
Saturday 60th Anniversary Celebration Dinner & Auction
Register For Stabling
Ticket Options
VIP Package Tickets (Package Ticket includes event continental breakfasts, daily refreshments, lunches; Welcome Garden Party, Sunday Awards Brunch; commemorative gift; driving activities; Carriage Showcase)
General Admission Package Tickets (General Admission Package Ticket includes event access to hospitality tent; driving activities; Carriage Showcase. Does not include meals.)
VIP Tickets (single day) (Single Day VIP Ticket includes daily activities including meals, carriage activities and social opportunities plus access to hospitality tent.)
General Admission Tickets (single day) (One Day Ticket includes carriage activities and social opportunities plus general access to hospitality tent. Does not include meals.)
Sporting Day of Traditional Driving
The purpose of a Sporting Day of Traditional Driving is to preserve and celebrate the carriage-driving style of bygone days, which encompasses horsemanship, driving acumen, care and preservation of carriage and harness, and the intangible qualities of good sportsmanship.
The Sporting Day focuses on traditional driving and includes three phases: a Turnout Inspection, a Country Drive, and the Cones Course. Traditional driving, as we define it, makes use of one of the recognized styles of driving—English Classical (or its German modification, known as Achenbach), Hungarian, or American—whichever is appropriate for the type of carriage, horse, and harness being used. All types of carriages are accepted, but antique vehicles or traditional reproductions of the same are preferred. Traditional leather harness that is appropriate to the vehicle is preferred over synthetic harness.
To register your turnout for the Sporting Day of Traditional Driving click here.
CAA Carriage Showcase
The purpose of the Carriage Showcase is to highlight the importance of carriage restoration and conservation. It is an adjudicated evaluation of vehicles preserved, restored or newly built that follow traditional styles. Judges look at documentation, paintwork & striping, trimming & upholstery, soundness, and changes to the vehicle.
To register your vehicle for the Carriage Showcase at Wethersfield Estate click here.
Event Schedule
Thursday June 9th
Stabling opens
Friday June 10th
Drive at will on marked trails
Noon CAA Board meeting & lunch – Carriage House, Wethersfield Estate
3-6 pm CAA Carriage Showcase judging – Wethersfield Estate
3:30 pm Driver’s Meeting to review weekend activities
6:00 PM CAA Welcome Garden Party – Wethersfield House Gardens
Hosted by the Wethersfield Garden & Estate
Saturday June 11th
7:30 AM Coffee & pastries
8:30 AM Volunteer’s meeting
10:00 AM Phase I – Presentation
10:30 AM Phase II – Road Drive
12:30-1:30 PM Buffet Lunch
3-5:00 PM Showcase commentary
Drive at will on marked trails
6:30 PM CAA 60th Anniversary Celebration Evening with Auction (tickets required)
Sunday June 12th
7:30 AM Coffee & pastries
10:00 AM Phase III – Obstacle Cones Course
Drive at will on marked trails
11:30 AM Brunch & Awards Ceremony
Directions
From north or south on the Taconic State Parkway, take the exit to US44/Poughkeepsie/Millbrook. Turn east on Route 44 toward Millbrook. Continue 10.9 miles on 44 east to Bangall Amenia Rd. Watch for the blue Wethersfield Garden signs. Turn left on Bangall Amenia Rd and continue for 2.4 miles. Turn right onto Pugsley Hill Rd and drive for 1.4 miles to the estate entrance on your left.
257 Pugsley Hill Road, Amenia NY 12501
Hotels
Amenia to Poughkeepsie (approximately 40 minutes)
Hampton Inn & Suites Poughkeepsie
Amenia to Kingston (approximately 50 minutes)