by Cassidy Nunn | photo by Nunn Other Photography –
The image of horse-drawn carriages is one that invokes a great sense of nostalgia – a link to the past, to a time when the city of Victoria (then Fort Victoria) was just starting out, an era before cars, when horses were commonplace on the roads, integral to the building and functioning of the city. In downtown Victoria and on the Peninsula, one can still be treated to the echoes of clip-clops and the sight of these magnificent draft horses pulling carriages and trolleys. If you’re able to book a seat on one, you’re sure to enjoy the ultimate experience of slowing down and taking in your surroundings on a relaxing ride.
Victoria is home to two carriage companies: Tally-Ho Carriage Tours, which has been in operation since 1903, and is owned and operated by Donna Friedlander and her family; and Victoria Carriage Tours (VCT) which was established in 1978 and is now owned and run by Emily-May Bebb and Brock Gallagher. Both companies keep their herds of horses, made up of the draft or “heavy” breeds of horses such as clydesdales, shires, percherons and Belgians, on two separate farms in Central Saanich. “These breeds are needing our attention,” says Donna, citing several of the draft horse breeds as being endangered and on the rare breeds list. The draft horses were bred to work and haul much heavier loads than they’re asked to move in this type of work. “They can pull six times at least what they’re pulling and be fine,” she says. Both companies ensure the best care possible for their horses, who work in shifts and have set days off.
Tally-Ho currently has 23 horses and a staff of 25, while VCT has 22 horses on their 20-acre farm in Brentwood Bay and employs 30 staff at the moment. “We go through a lot to ensure both employees and our horses have the best environment possible,” says Brock. Jobs in the industry include carriage drivers, farm staff, ticket sellers, truck and trailer drivers, and operations managers. While the bulk of business for both carriage companies is operated in downtown Victoria, where they offer single horse drawn carriage rides as well as seasonal trolley rides pulled by a team of two horses, they more recently have begun to offer single carriage tours on the Peninsula. VCT offers holiday carriage rides in Sidney from mid-November through to late December as well as in Langford, and Tally-Ho operates holiday carriage rides in the Saanichton area (which run in November and December) as well as tours to Sea Cider (which run in May and June) both departing from in front of the Central Saanich municipal hall. Donna credits the municipality for “welcoming us with open arms … they put up hitching rails for us made it easy for us to conduct business out here,” she says.
During Covid, Donna came up with the idea to offer tours of her farm during this time as a way to address any concerns that the public may have about how the carriage horses live and are treated. “Let’s open up the doors and people can come and ask any questions,” she says. “It’s part of being an open book about what we do and how we do it.” The farm tours are available in the spring and attendees meet the draft horses, learn about their diet, veterinary care, specialized hoof care, their harnesses and watch a driving demonstration. Donna says these tours have become very popular with locals and will be available again next spring.
In the Saanichton area you may have recently seen a unique three-horse abreast wagon making its way steadily through the neighbourhoods. The trio of Tally-Ho horses has been in training, mentally and physically, for the Victoria Day Parade where they’re set to pull a 10,000-pound Victoria Fire Department’s old steam pump (by the time this article is published, the event will have happened but if you missed it this year, stay tuned for next year’s!)
For Donna, she says the highlight of her job is “seeing the public’s reaction to the horses … that emotional connection that happens instantly.” Brock says the most rewarding part for him is “how happy people are from the experience.”
For more information on upcoming events or to book a carriage ride, please visit www.victoriacarriage.com and www.tallyhotours.com
