The Art of the Hitch: Pair A Dice Carriages

Taylor Van Zyl
Oct 16
3 min read

Episode 2: Draft Horses Through Time

Why?

Why do we still use draft horses, and what purpose do they serve today? With modern transportation and technology, you might think the draft horse would be a relic of the past. Yet, as Winston Churchill once said,

“There’s something about the outside of a horse that’s good for the inside of a man.”

Horses remind us of something the fast-paced, technology-driven world often forgets — connection. They slow us down, bring us into the present, and remind us that true strength doesn’t have to be mechanical. The art of hitching, driving, and caring for these giants is part of a tradition that helped build nations.

Draft horses once plowed fields, hauled freight, delivered mail, and pulled stagecoaches through untamed country. They were the heartbeat of progress long before engines ever took over, and it was all done slowly and diligently.

From farming and logging to therapy programs and carriage rides, draft horses continue to serve people with quiet power and gentle hearts. They bring comfort, joy, and a living piece of history wherever they go. For us at Pair A Dice Carriages, few things bring more happiness than watching someone light up with childhood memories of their grandparents’ draft horses or seeing a person’s whole demeanor soften as they spend time with one of ours. Sharing our horses with the public is one of the greatest rewards of what we do.

Living History

Every time we harness up our team and step onto the box of the stagecoach at a rodeo, we’re carrying more than just passengers — we’re carrying over a century of heritage. It’s not just a performance; it’s a history lesson in motion. The jingle of the harness, the creak of the leather, and the steady rhythm of hooves on the ground all tell the story of where we came from. For those few minutes when the team is in front of a crowd, time slows down, and people get a glimpse of life before horsepower meant something mechanical.

Carriage rides also preserve the craftsmanship and horsemanship that defined earlier generations. Each well-trained team, polished carriage, and skilled driver is part of a living tradition that honors the bond between human and horse. The experience reminds us of a time when travel wasn’t just about getting somewhere fast, but about the journey itself — the connection between horse, driver, and passenger. In a world that moves at the speed of sound, a carriage ride brings back the beauty of simplicity, romance, storytelling, and heritage — reminding us that history isn’t something locked behind glass in a museum, but something you can still feel beneath the wheels and hear in the rhythm of the team moving down the street.

Carrying the Legacy Forward

Keeping this legacy alive is both an honor and a responsibility. It’s a living craft — one that teaches respect for the past and appreciation for the hands-on skills that once powered our ancestors’ daily lives.

At Pair A Dice Carriages, every drive is our way of honoring that heritage. We believe the lessons behind it — hard work, patience, communication, teamwork, and trust — are timeless. By keeping this tradition alive, we’re not just preserving history; we’re carrying its values forward for the next generation.