The Horse-Drawn Sleigh

There’s something truly magical about gliding through a winter wonderland on a horse-drawn sleigh. The crisp air, the jingle of bells, and the gentle sway of the sleigh make for an unforgettable experience. If you’ve never enjoyed riding in a horse-drawn sleigh, now is the perfect time to try it. Come along and explore the enchanting world of horse-drawn sleigh rides.

The History of Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides

Horse-drawn sleigh rides have been around for centuries, with origins dating back to the 15th century in Europe. They were initially used as a mode of transportation in snowy regions but soon became a popular form of entertainment for the wealthy. In the 19th century, horse-drawn sleighs were used for courting and socializing, with couples snuggled under blankets as they rode through the snow.

The Colorado Horse-Drawn Sleigh

In Colorado, from the early 1900s up to the present day, horse-drawn sleds were used by ranchers as a way to feed their cattle over the snowy months. However, most ranchers have transitioned to tractors for this daily chore. A few still prefer using horsepower, saying that they are more reliable than a tractor. At the same time, those more mechanically inclined say that horses are nothing but problems.

Many dinner sleigh rides are ranchers gone tourism. The big sleds that hold 15 or more people are the same sleds once used for hay distribution and are still pulled by heavy draft horses. These sleds have been finished with bench seats and nicely painted. The undercarriage and the heavy horses used are the same from the days of cattle ranching.

Where to Find Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides

If you’re interested in experiencing a horse-drawn sleigh ride, many of Colorado’s ski resorts and winter vacation destinations offer sleigh rides available to guests. You can also find sleigh rides at local farms, ranches, and city parks. Check out our sleigh ride recommendations.

Tips for a Memorable Sleigh Ride

To make the most of your horse-drawn sleigh ride, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Dress warmly: Bundle up in layers and don’t forget hats, gloves, and scarves.
• Bring a camera: You’ll want to capture the beautiful scenery and memories of your sleigh ride.
• Be respectful of the horses: These gentle creatures are working hard to give you a memorable experience, so be sure to treat them with kindness and respect.
• Relax and enjoy: Let go of any stress or worries and simply enjoy the ride.

Horse-Drawn Sleighs for Sale

If you’re looking to own a horse-drawn sleigh, you may be able to find one for sale on websites like Craigslist or eBay. Most sleighs for sale are used and usually very old. You can purchase a new horse-drawn sleigh, but these get expensive, and unless you are really planning on using it with a horse versus just a lawn ornament, a used sleigh is the way to go. Most used sleighs for sale will need some refurbishing, or you might find sleigh runners, and the carriage aspect will need to be built or assembled. The lawn ornament sleigh needs only general parts and pieces with a good paint job.

The horse-drawn aspect is another ball of wax. If you’re not a horse person with experience driving horses, you might ask around to see if you can find a local service to facilitate your Christmas party or whatever you have in mind.

by Kathleen Fitzsimmons