A handful of gorgeous, towering draft horses that are relatively rare call the historical farm home year-round. Additionally, about 20 horses live at the Carriage Hill Riding Center.
Draft horses are relatively rare, a heritage breed of horse used for traditional farming practices in the 1800s — for example, pulling a tractor or wagon. In a non-pandemic year, the draft horses would be starring in the historical farm’s Christmas on the Farm event that takes visitors back in time to a Christmas celebration set in the late 1800s.
Any other year, the horses would be gearing up to delight guests by pulling them around the farm in a traditional carriage. Though due to the pandemic, the draft horses will only get to spend the holiday with park goers from inside their pasture.
Unwind from holiday stress and listen to the draft horses at Carriage Hill MetroPark’s historical farm enjoy a sunset...
Posted by Five Rivers MetroParks on Saturday, December 5, 2020
Since the pandemic started, there has been some confusion among visitors with the facilities being closed, but park trails and land are still open to explore, according to Lemons. Educational programs at the farm and classes at the riding center are all on pause, but the horses have not stopped roaming the park’s pastures.
“It’s something that’s really accessible to the whole family, and making memories is something the holiday season is really all about,” Lemons said. “And what family doesn’t like cute animals, and especially for parents, it’s really interesting because there’s a historical element which I think is really cool.”
Visitors are free to explore the grounds and watch the horses munching on grass, sometimes just feet away, on the other side of the fence.
“I think that maybe heading outdoors to do anything right now is comforting for people, just because it’s so important to get outdoors for your mental and physical health,” Lemons said.
Although the MetroParks are open, Five Rivers is following all directives and information from Governor DeWine, Ohio Department of Health, Montgomery County Health Department and the CDC. Current directives continue to limit public gatherings to 10 people or less, and for social distancing of at least six feet to be maintained, according to Five Rivers website.
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