Highlights Archives
An Equine Extravaganza Returns to Villa Louis
The Victorian estate where country gentleman Louis Dousman once raised race horses will again hear the pounding of hooves and the clatter of carriage wheels as the annual Villa Louis Carriage Classic returns on Saturday and Sunday, September 10 & 11. The elegant and colorful event brings out the Midwest's best horses and finest restored carriages for the 25th running of the popular sport-driving competition. It also recalls the estate's own heyday as a farm for the breeding of horses for harness racing. The Villa Louis — its interior rooms recently restored to their 1890s British Arts and Crafts splendor — never looks better than during the late-summer equine classic. Perched atop a mound overlooking the Mississippi River, the cream-brick mansion and grounds provide an elegant setting for the largest and most stylish horse-and-carriage event in the region.
More than 80 drivers, their stable hands and groomsmen will compete in a variety of classes, including obstacle courses and a cross-country event featuring simulated hazards ranging from open water to corkscrew turns. At the end of the event, the top drivers and teams take home honors for best reinsman (driver), best working horse (animal's ability to perform), and best turnout (overall appearance of the horse, driver and carriage). Another event, the Victorian Picnic Class, judges entrants on the overall elegance of a country picnic outing, including the appearance of teams and their rigs, the picnic lunch presentation, and the smartly dressed picnickers' period costuming. The picnic class, reminiscent of Victorian leisure-class pursuits, takes place at noon Saturday. Cross-country events take place Saturday and Sunday afternoon, with the concluding Concours d'Elegance — a parade of all the competitors — beginning at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday. Arena competition continues throughout both days.
For complete details on hours, admission fees and other information, visit the Villa Louis visitor information page.
:: Posted September 6, 2005
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