Dignity of Companionship "Dignity of Labor II" by Elizabeth M Guarisco, courtesy of the artist, New York The horse is one of the most outstanding athletes in the animal kingdom. Because of his cooperative nature, he has made a significant contribution to man's historical development. Today, the horse in harness is regaining respect and admiration in a recreational role. Horse drawn carriages recreate a time when life was to be savored slowly. And, they recreate a very special relationship between man and nature. When treated with care and respect, the horse willingly provides his great strength for man's purposes. Man, in turn, tends to the health and comfort of his partner in work. Therein, lies the dignity of companionship. HHC ...is a member of the Carriage Operators of North America (CONA), an organization dedicated to establishing and promoting safe and humane standards for the horse drawn carriage industry. CONA is affiliated with the American Horse Council & the Animal Welfare council.

How do I book a horse-drawn carriage for my event? Click on INQUIRES (upper right) and submit your information. Once we have your FULL details we can move fwd to issue you a contract and check your date availability. Do you offer tours? Please check our tours page above (upper left) for current locations and dates! You can also link to our twitter, facebook, myspace or bebo to get regular updates automatically! How much will it cost? Cost all depends on the service requested, length, date, distance, amount, staffing, carriage, etc. So please fill out an inquiry form and we will be happy to give you a quote. Where can I utilize the horse and carriage service? For most part just about any where on O'ahu. If you need ideas for a great location please check our location page found on the wedding page.

Did you know?

Horse Hooves and Pavement 

The versatile horse hoof acclimates to living and working conditions. When horses live in soft terrain and work on hard terrain, most operators choose to use protective shoes or boots.  In some cases hooves are acclimated to travel barefoot.

Sweating

Sweating is healthy for humans and horses alike. It is a natural process that is designed to cool the horse’s body temperature. Androhydrosis (meaning: To not sweat) is bad for either species.

Pulling or Drawing?

If you attach a strap to your belt and the other end to something on wheels that is 50% or less of your body weight, it generally does not require much effort to walk. When a horse or mule is attached to a vehicle on wheels it also does not require much effort to walk. The slightest movement will put the wheels in motion. Exercise is vital for good health, both mental and physical.**A simple spring scale measure has proven that it takes a horse drawing a carriage with 4 to 5 people in it, approx. 50 lbs of fwd force to move the coach. Once in rolling motion it takes approx. 25 lbs of rolling force to keep it in motion, and then approx. 50 lbs. of pressure to stop. (Study done, in FL, by Avalon CC)

Plans for the future?

An equine’s capabilities during their lifetime are similar to human’s capabilities with the respect that they are based on health not age. If well cared for and conditioned a 30yr. old human or equine could surpass a fitness test against an 18 yr old human or equine. Most carriage operations either care for their own retired horses or go to great lengths to find excellent retirement homes for them.

Blinders/ Blinkers/ Blinds (Blindfold?)

 Horses have an almost 360 degree field of vision, with only two blind spots directly in front of them and behind them. Horses tend to walk in the direction they are looking and the blinders help them focus. The blinders do not completely restrict their ability to see. Blinders simply aid communication.

 Fears?

All horses and humans have a fear of something. Horses and humans generally do not fear environments to which they are acclimated. Fears generally derive from the element of surprise or the fear of the unknown unless introduced properly.

Please support your local Horse-drawn operation by hiring their services. If you would like to support the industry please go to www.cona.org and become a sponsor.

Please ASK questions.

Thank you for your concern.

Like all good relationships between mankind, it is also true for man and horse. You must possess qualities of a healthy partnership, companionship and clear communication.

Are these your horses?
No, we are their Humans!

What is the difference between a Clydesdale and a Belgian?
Much like the difference between a Golden Retriever and a Great Dane.

Does the horse get a chance to lay down and sleep?
Horses actually sleep standing up, they having locking joints in their knees and rest two legs at a time.

What do they eat? (Do Not feed anyone elses horses but your own.)
Each horse has a different diet, much like each human is different. Most all horses enjoy apples and carrots for treats. For meals on average most eat alfalfa, hay, grass, oats, barley and special designed horse feed much similar to dog food. Horses stomachs are very sensitive, so it is very important that anything they eat is easily digestible.

Are the horses happy?
Yes, they receive maid service on a daily basis. Pedicures every 4-6 weeks. Bubble baths before going into town or to an event. The boys enjoy human companionship, window shopping in town and getting chauffeured around in their horse limo.

Why does he look sad?
Actually most people think when a horse is relaxed and not tense/ alert, that he is sad. It is very important to see a horse relaxed in any environment he is in. They don't have facial muscles like humans to smile with.

Is it difficult for them to pull the vehicles?
No, actually they are only pulling when they are going up hill AT A WALK. When on level ground they are just walking, it is even lighter than a human pushing or pulling a baby stroller. Each horse weighs about 2,000 pounds and they are capable of pulling six times their own weight individually in their prime.

May I pet the horse?
Each horse is different. Always ask the driver if it is safe to touch the horse.

What is the average life expectancy of a horse?
Twenty-five to 30 years. Horses have been known to live well into their 40s.

How do horses rest?
Horses usually sleep standing up, often with one hind foot cocked.

How often do you feed the horse?
A horse consumes two or three meals of hay/grain per day.

Ph: (808) 924-STYLE (7895) / Fax: (808) 696-4199
Email: hnlhorse@gmail.com