Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides Complement Christmas in Media

The holidays in Media are enchanting.

The bright white lights outline the buildings along State Street, a perfect wreath decorates every lamppost, the great Tannenbaum greets you in the center of town, and Santa Claus poses for photos with kids of all ages.

Another element that complements the spirit of the season are the weekly horse-drawn carriage rides.

Run by the Philadelphia-based 76 Carriage Company, the old-fashioned rides through Media are held on Wednesdays during the Christmas season. They start at the , wind through Media’s residential areas, and clip-clop down State Street.

Eleanor Forstater, of 76 Carriage Company, says they have 23 horses and serve the entire Delaware Valley. Forstater says the drivers, and the horses too, very much enjoy the festive atmosphere of Media.

"Memories are vast of our carriages rides in Media, whether it’s the celebrating and singing of Christmas carols with the families, or listening to our guests telling their children or grandchildren about the different stories which go along with the various historic houses or businesses within the town," says Forstater. "Many times the store owners will pop their heads out and wish us all a Merry Christmas."

Carriage driver Kim is a regular during the rides in Media.

"I like driving the Christmas ride, hearing the carolers along the street, driving Santa. I really liked the Bastille Day celebration last summer. I drove George Washington and Lafayette as they stormed the Bastille. That was fun," she says.

Kim drives Martini, a Spotted Draft-Cross horse who is 9 years old. 76 Carriages purchased Martini from Chateau Stables in New York a few years ago.

"He’s a favorite of many of our drivers and guests. He has enjoyed going to wonderful places to provide carriage rides at special events, including Media, Swarthmore, Malvern, and Abington," says Forstater.

Martini’s partner along State Street is Vic, a 10-year-old Belgian who also hails from New York.

In just a few years in the Philly area, Vic has become quite the celebrity.

Vic has appeared in Boardwalk Empire, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, the Capital One commercial with the Vikings, and a documentary for the Philadelphia Union League.

"He also had the pleasure of taking Flyers’ goalie, Iya Bryzgalov, and his family on a tour of Philadelphia with Ben Franklin along for the ride," Forstater adds.

76 Carriage Company uses a variety of different breeds of horses for the rides. The majority are draft horses or draft-cross horses. They’re powerful horses that can haul. They weigh in at an average of 1,600 pounds, with some weighing up to 2,000 pounds. They’re capable of easily pulling at least three times their body weight.

Powerful, yes, but also gentle and friendly creatures.

"Throughout the drivers’ time working with these horses, they form a bond, one which is lifelong. Our horses are more than just a vehicle to perform a job with, these horses are part of us and are loved and cared for by their drivers," says Forstater.

Guests love them too.

Patti Simpson, of Media, brought her family out for a ride.

"We had a great time. I love Media, the decorations, the restaurants. It’s so nice," says Simpson.

For more information on 76 Carriage Company, visit their website. For more