Shiny New Carriages at May Meeting
Peter Von Halem’s New England Carriage Imports, Bozrah, CT
May 2nd, 6:30 pm CVDC Potluck Meeting and Tour
The Tiger Marathon Vehicle by New England Carriage Imports
Most carriage drivers will tell you they are part horse person, part carriage buff. The quality of one’s carriage can easily make or break one’s interest in the sport, and us drivers tend to become a bit obsessed with finding the right vehicle and harness. I’ll never forget my first carriage was a gig that made me feel seasick. I was ready to throw in the towel. Good thing I met Pam Pruitt, who introduced me to Buckeye Road Cart.
One CVDC member, Peter Von Halem, loves carriages so much, eleven years ago he decided to start his own business, New England Carriage Imports. Peter had already had a successful career as a commercial airline pilot, and when he retired early, he decided to pursue another passion, one a bit closer to the ground. His love of carriages stems from growing up in the Principality of Liechtenstein, where carriages were commonplace. He’s pleased to see a revival of the sport. Peter soars around preliminary and intermediate level marathon courses with his lovely Canadian Crossbreds. Peter has won his division at many of the bigger shows such as Bromont, The Laurels, Fair Hill, GMHA and Gladstone. He now has four Canadians: Susi, Kati and Mitzi and the latest addition a gelding, Deejay. He drives singles, pairs and unicorn (three).
I was lucky to hop aboard one of Peter’s lovely marathon carriages at our latest club drive. The ride was so smooth. The vehicle features a new air suspension system that makes you feel more like you’re floating on a cloud than riding in a carriage. Peter’s customers come from all over. They come to Peter for custom, imported vehicles of a reasonable price and excellent quality. He said all vehicles are built to suit the size and experience of both the driver and the equine. They arrive six to eight at a time in large 40’ containers. He also sells a nice imported harness from overseas. Peter makes an annual trip to Germany and Poland to meet with his carriage makers. They are continually improving the products, in large part because of the feedback they receive directly from drivers. At our May meeting, Peter looks forward to showing us his line of new vehicles, and maybe we’ll likely get to see his Canadian Crossbreds and barn!
Directions to May Meeting - Peter Von Halem’s New England Carriage Imports, Bozrah, CT:
- From RT.2 (Hartford - Norwich) take exit 23 and follow signs to RT.163 which starts there, toward Montville. Go 2.7 miles to 279 Bozrah St. (same as RT 163) Farm, barns, carriage house on right.
- If you are coming on RT 82 (from Salem, Lyme etc) go through “Salem Four Corners” about 2.5 miles towards Norwich, look for RT 163 on the left, go north on RT 163 about 2.5 miles to 279 Bozrah St. Farm etc on your left.
