For years, the Percherons from Daybreak Carriages have been among the biggest attractions of Ridgefield’s annual Hometown Celebration. That stardom also includes being featured for weeks after the annual holiday event.
“I think they end up being on a lot of Christmas cards,’’ said Pam Wolle, who along with husband Dale own Battle Ground’s Daybreak Carriages. “Our horses are so calm that they are fine with people coming up and rubbing their noses.’’
Pam Wolle and daughter Jenica Baxter performed the honors again this year, operating the wagon pulled by two of the four Percherons in the Daybreak Carriages stables. The team was made up of 18-year-old Bill, and 10-year-old Cap. The horses pulled the wagon for three hours in the afternoon giving area residents of all ages the thrill of a holiday carriage ride through downtown Ridgefield.
“We estimated that we had about 230-240 passengers this year,’’ Pam said. “I think it was a little bit more than last year. We were so lucky, we only had a teeny, tiny skip of rain. Other than that, it was fine.’’
Of the many activities offered at the annual Ridgefield Hometown Celebration, the carriage rides are among the most popular. Many who attend the annual event are repeat visitors to the Daybreak Carriages wagon, however, each year brings new faces.
“I was just really pleased to see so many people; it’s always fun being able to give someone their first wagon ride,’’ Pam said. “Some people get so excited that they’re willing to stand in the cold and rain and wait in line. They love getting in, everybody is always laughing and giggling. That’s why we love it. It’s just a happy and positive thing.’’
Columbia Credit Union sponsored the rides at the Ridgefield event this year. The blue covered wagon glided through the city for 15-minute rides. Pickup and dropoff points were located at Zebrun’s on Pioneer Street and the Ridgefield Community Center on Main Street.
Daybreak Carriages provides several kinds of carriages for a variety of events from weddings to anniversaries, proposals, business conferences, corporate parties, picnics, family reunions and more. For more information about the business, visit www.carriageride.biz on the internet or call Pam Wolle at (360) 624-7405.
“We primarily do weddings and most of those are in the summer but we do have a couple more events before the end of the month,’’ Pam said.
Those who missed the opportunity to ride the Daybreak Carriages wagon at the Ridgefield Hometown Celebration can mark Sat., Dec. 15 on their calendar. Wolle, her daughter and the Percherons will return to the Uptown Village Celebration in Vancouver’s Historic Downtown, where they will also be giving rides from 3-6 p.m, courtesy of the sponsorship of Vancouver Pizza Co. and Canine Utopia.
“We love sharing the horses,’’ Pam said. “I continue to be amazed that we still get people who have never touched a horse or been around a horse before. When you get close to these big guys who are so gentle, it’s just fun to see the smiles.’’
The Wolles have provided the wagon rides in each of the past 10 years for those who have attended Ridgefield’s annual holiday celebration. The wagon can hold up to 14 adults with room for a couple of children on laps according to Wolle.
The Percherons are approximately 1,800 pounds each. Wolle said they, along with Belgians, are some of North America’s first work horses. The Percherons were originally brought over from France. The breed derived its name from an old provence, Le Perche, which is located southwest of Paris.
