"Tailgating" During the Devon Horse Show Carriage Pleasure Drive

A summer afternoon party calls for sparkling beverages! On the left, seltzer with raspberry puree and a dash of Rose's grenadine.  On the right, Prosecco with raspberry puree and St. Germain elderflower liqueur (the ribbon tied on the handle alerted one to which was "with" and which was "without").

Tea sandwiches on pain de mie bread: radish with goat cream cheese and cucumber with salmon mousse.

Cinnamon chip scones.

Roasted red pepper deviled eggs.

Bountiful, beautiful berries!

Playing bean bag toss while waiting for the horses!

Founded in 1896, the Devon Horse Show is an amazing event that attracts competitors, spectators and visitors from all over the world.  It's a cherished part of our community.  The Carriage Pleasure Drive is a beloved tradition that takes place on the opening Sunday of the Show, wherein antique horses-driven carriages of all sorts and sizes go for a leisurely ride along the winding, wooded residential roads around Devon.  Drivers, passengers and groomsmen all dress the part, from tip to toe!

One can hear the next carriage coming before it can be seen, and everyone rushes to the side of the road to watch.

Carriages are pulled by one to four horses (or ponies!).

It's so much fun to see the different carriages, horses, and outfits!

The weather this year was perfect - a verified rarity during Horse Show days!

It takes much preparation beforehand to ready the carriages and horses.

We are fortunate to live nearby such a wonderful and unique event.

Everyone waves and cheers as each carriage goes by.

Of course, hats are also a big part of tradition at the Horse Show, and one day is in fact devoted to a Ladies Hat Contest.

I would wish to ride in a carriage with an awning! Even though the weather was unusually mild and dry, the sun was still strong!

A perfect day for a Sunday drive.

Watching and listening to the rhythm of the horses' steps was fascinating.

Our party voted these four ponies the absolute most adorable of the day!

This four-in-hand pulled a wagon advertising Professor Odell's Ointments.  Must find out the story behind that!