Greyhorse Carriage turns clock back
Couple’s experiences
include driving with
Martha Stewart
VERONICA YANKOWSKI Elaine McMinn hugs her Belgian draft horse Rusty while readying him for a journey around Upper Freehold.
The internal combustion engine may have replaced the equine for everyday transportation, but for special occasions there is nothing like a horse and carriage. Kevin and Elaine McMinn, Upper Freehold, run the Greyhorse Carriage Co., and offer their customers a step back into a simpler and more elegant time.
The McMinns’ vehicles include two bird’s-eye maple wagonettes. One seats six people and was custom made for use with Belgian horses. Elaine uses this carriage for showing. The other seats eight and was manufactured by the Carriage Machine Shop of Bird-in-Hand, Pa., for commercial use.
They also have two vis-á-vis, a name for a carriage which has two passenger seats facing each other. Kevin also built a hay wagon which can take larger groups on outings. This wagon features wheels from 1920s-era automobiles.
The McMinns purchase their vehicles from carriage makers or from Martin’s Auction in Pennsylvania. They do not use antiques, Elaine said, "because antiques are too valuable, and they don’t hold up to commercial use."
The McMinns started driving together in 1991.
Kevin, a blacksmith, had hurt his back and was out of work for a week, so Elaine took him out for a pleasure drive as a distraction and ended up buying a carriage.
Their first driving horses were a pair of appaloosas. A friend had a carriage business with more work than he could handle and offered some of his clients to them.
"One thing led to another," Elaine said.
Today, three Belgian draft horses and a Belgian/quarterhorse cross are in harness: Ben, Lad, Winston and Rusty. Ben, a beautiful chestnut who weighs between 1,700-1,800 pounds, is a direct lineal descendant of the mounts that carried knights into battle. Once a carriage horse in Central Park, Ben was headed for the meat market when the McMinns bought him.
Today the gentle giant is used for Indian weddings where, according to Kevin, the horse is a major part of the traditional ceremony. The groom parades through the streets on horseback on his way to the wedding site. After the nuptials, the husband and wife leave in the carriage, although the carriage cannot depart until the bride’s dowry is paid.
Kevin, who serves on the National Board of Carriage Operators in North America, said their business generally operates on a one-hour radius from their Ellisdale Road home; beyond that they will negotiate time and distance with the customer.
They have worked on weddings in Newark and West Orange, and birthday parties in Secaucus, Montclair and Short Hills. June is the month for weddings, and they are fully booked and taking reservations for 2003. According to Kevin, if a couple is interested in a horse-drawn carriage for their wedding, no matter what the month, they should book it at the same time they are reserving the caterer or reception hall.
Some of their memorable driving experiences include working at the Republican National Convention in Philadelphia, delivering Sen. Robert Singer (R-30) in a horse-drawn carriage to the opening meet of the Meadowlands, and driving with Martha Stewart at her home in Acadia, Maine. Stewart, a driving enthusiast, hosted a lobster dinner for members of the American Driving Society at her estate, the former summer residence of the Ford family. Elaine remembers Stewart as being very gracious and friendly.
The McMinns also participate in shows, including the Devon Horse Show in Pennsylvania, the driving show at the Horse Park of New Jersey in Upper Freehold in October, and the Garden State Horse Show in Sussex County. A favorite show of theirs is the competition at the Monmouth County Fair in July.
"It’s the best of everything," said Elaine, adding with a smile. "We frequently win."
The couple say they enjoy their business. Besides weddings and birthday parties, they have done tours, caroling, funerals and other events.
Their hay wagon is a favorite among youngsters. "Kids love it," said Kevin. "The parents say, ‘How can I top this one?’ "
"We’ve met a lot of very nice people," said Elaine. "We like to share the horses because they’re so special."
For further information, contact Greyhorse Carriage Co. at (609) 259-2791.