Page 132 - The Hunt - Spring 2022

Carriages continued from page 58
the Devon Horse Show when he asked friends to suggest a way he could “get a ride on a coach.”
Although he already played trumpet, O’Donnell learned that sounding the horn requires an extra layer of finesse, as there are no keys on the instrument. And while musicians in an orchestra play from a stationary position, tootlers must adjust their playing to the terrain. “When you’re on a moving coach, it’s very bumpy,” he says. “You have to use your knees as a shock absorber.”
For 27 years, O’Donnell tootled for Jack Seabrook, a champion of the sport and a founder of the carriage association. In 1998, he traveled to England with Seabrook, sounding the horn for the Duke of Edinburgh, an avid carriager. O’Donnell currently has four coaching horses, 13 restored carriages and 25 coach horns at his farm. He enjoys carriaging with his wife, Enid, who typically dresses to match his tie.
For their first drive to Winterthur, Jeff
“DRIVING IS A VERY DIFFERENT CONNECTION THAN WHEN YOU’RE UNDER SADDLE. IT’S WITH YOUR HANDS AND YOUR VOICE, BUILDING
AN INCREDIBLE LEVEL OF TRUST... IT’S SO MAGICAL BEING UP ON THE BOX ANDDRIVINGWHENEVERYTHINGISCLICKING.”
—JEFF PARRIS
and Brittany Parris will be garbed in black, navy and maroon, color-coordinated to match their carriage. “The hardest part will be choosing a hat and scarf,” Brittany says.
“It’s easy for me,” adds her husband. “A top hat.”
In their 30s, the Parrises represent a
new generation of carriage enthusiasts. Both grew up in the saddle, hunting and jumping. They decided to give driving a whirl because it’s an equestrian pursuit that allows them to both enjoy Winston, their 6-year-old Friesian, a powerful yet graceful breed developed in the Netherlands to carry knights in armor.
They learned to drive at Big Bend and were immediately smitten by the sport.
“Driving is a very different connection than when you’re under saddle,” says Jeff. “It’s with your hands and your voice, building an incredible level of trust.”
The couple takes turns driving—and they’ve found a warm embrace in the carriaging community. “It’s such a welcoming group,” Brittany says.
The Parrises are buidling a barn on their four-acre property in West Chester, Pa., for their burgeoning collection of carriages, which includes a Brewster T-cart built in the 1870s. “It’s so magical being up on the box and driving when everything is clicking,” Jeff says. “For us, driving to Winterthur will be a very big day indeed.” SL
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