Horses ‘Rein’ at Annual Carriage Procession in Chester County, PA
Carriage-hitched horse and riders pass the Lincoln Building, home to the annual Yellow Springs Art Show.
“At its finest, rider and horse are joined not by tack, but by trust. Each is totally reliant upon the other. Each is the selfless guardian of the other’s very well-being.” – Author unknown
Story, photos by Sharon Kozden
My first encounter with a horse occurred during the summer of my 12th year, when a school chum allowed a bunch of us to ride her mare. The young equestrian sat in the saddle as we took our respective turns while scrunched in front of her. Both horse and owner actually resembled one another as each sported long flaxen manes and toothy grins. As the lone seventh grader in our class who owned a horse, an air of mystery surrounded this young girl. Although few of us knew exactly what equestrian life entailed, I sensed that it was challenging, involving weighty chores, plenty of mud and straw and frequent grooming in ways wholly dissimilar from the attention I pay my cats.
After that summer, I had virtually no contact again with horses until adulthood yet I never forgot my girlhood experience. Typically, the onset of fall or a vacation getaway would present an opportunity to ride. I’d always thrill to saddle up for a group trot along scenic trails, never failing to recall that idyllic summer of my youth. These days, certain seasons-mostly autumn but also springtime-rekindle my desire to ride. As infrequent as these outings may be, my admiration for the grace and elegance of these spirited creatures has never waned.
When I first moved to rural Chester County, it became obvious early on that I’d entered horse country. Wide open spaces and white fences that secured grazing stallions and mares dominated the landscape. During long-distance runs, I’d pass acres of horse farms and riding stables. The urge to stop and pet the animals was strong, but I had miles to log in preparation for any given race for which I was training.
Mid-run on an October morning, I intersected with a horse-drawn carriage procession in the small village of Historic Yellow Springs located in Chester Springs, PA. It’s rare the distraction that can slow my pace or stop me altogether. The photographs below illustrate precisely why watching this parade completely sidelined my training effort. Like a mirage, the incredible spectacle came seemingly out of nowhere along a stretch of ordinarily quiet country road. As the clop-clop of hooves, dressed-to-the-nines humans and a show of 14 vintage carriages filed past, I stared in wonder, wishing I could trade my sweaty workout threads for the elegant garb befitting the carriages’ female occupants. It wasn’t to be, but that didn’t stop my curious Gemini self from crashing the after party, so to speak.
According to other curious onlookers, the procession was an annual invitation-only event, conceptualized many moons ago and hosted by local Chester County residents Dr. Donald Rosato and his wife Judy (along with several other principals such as Hunt Hill Farm owner-operator Jonathan D. Martin). Each fall, the fortunate invitees arrive on the scene in fashionable attire, prepared to make a day of it. The actual street procession lasts from approximately 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. before culminating in a lovely afternoon fete, which I managed to find myself party-crashing, but in a wholly welcoming manner, if that makes sense.
I had trailed the parade to its ultimate destination up the road a piece, where a spacious, grassy field had been transformed into a post-event bash. Seasonally decorated tables were laden with bountiful arrays of light bites and stick-to-your-ribs fare. There was even a well-stocked bar. While the horses were fed and watered and treated to some well-deserved downtime, said humans enjoyed a sumptuous repast provided by Malvern-based Tender Loving Catering. Hot offerings brimmed from silver chafing dishes. Densely stuffed and super fresh wrap sandwiches fanned out atop white paper doilies. Colorful scalloped edge pottery bowls held thick dips for scooping. Squares of dainty dessert treats beckoned-from tiered platters and racks-those long in the sweet of teeth. “Come, eat!” Someone grabbed my arm and graciously accompanied me to the banquet tables, encouraging me to partake heartily. Did I look as if I needed refueling? My body was clamoring for carbs!
Just when I thought the day’s highlight reel was in the can-that I’d seen the proverbial best of show-the affair’s focus shifted. Carriages that had been secured to trailer hitches for their transport homeward had taken a sidebar to what appeared an automotive concours … from cavalcade to classic car show in a single afternoon. Attendees had moved upfield, where an assemblage of vehicular eye candy presided. Turns out Dr. Rosato is not only locally and widely known for his multi-faceted involvement in equestrian circles; he also regularly tools about the roads of Chester County, showing off his collection of Rolls-Royce cars, including the oft-seen around town, “Silver Dawn.” A handful of other gentlemen had also driven in style, showing up in their own prestigious vehicles. I roamed among the fine fleet, appreciating the sleek designs made even more spectacular by the sun’s gleam. I was reminded of The Radnor Hunt Concours d’Elegance, which I’d attended several times and which had been my introduction to vintage automobiles. The Radnor shows fueled an automotive interest that remains to this day.
At some point, I realized it was nap time, so I thanked my hosts, then walked the very short distance to my cottage a.k.a. The Writer’s Kolony at Kamp Kozden (yes, I actually name my residences and no, I’m not a Kardashian).
I considered this long-married couple (Don and Judy) as I walked. Over the years, the Rosatos have distinguished themselves as one of the preeminent couples associated with the region’s equestrian lifestyle. Rosato’s horse-centric curriculum vitae reads like the dossier of a Triple Crown thoroughbred champion; he’s been a patron, carriage driver, chairman, Radnor Hunt regular and a fixture on the scene at the Devon Horse Show, Ludwig’s Corner Horse Show and Radnor Hunt Concours d’Elegance. And that’s just a sampling of the many hats he’s worn, the titles and positions accorded him.
I’ve since moved from Chester County but consider this story an homage to one of the most pastoral and picturesque locales in which I’ve had the pleasure to reside. Why not take a drive there one day and see it for yourself? Stroll through the unique Historic Yellow Springs Village, which boasts 11 historic buildings and was once a thriving spa village in the 18th century for those in search of its rejuvenating waters with suspected healing powers.
You’ve read it here in ExploreWithCassie … straight from the horse’s mouth!
This beauty is a lil’ bit shy, concealing one eye. But that swoosh of a tail!
I can has eye for all to spy! Check those lashes.
One of the 14 horse-drawn carriages in the procession passes as onlookers applaud. Splendid bonnets, Ladies!
Have basket, will picnic. This stylishly attired couple came prepared for an after-party.
Bright yellow spokes channel the brilliance of seasonal yellow mums.
These two, with their shiny caramel-colored coats and creamy tails and manes, remind me of a pumpkin spice latte with foam topping.
The variety of horses, carriages and riders’ sartorial choices (particularly ladies’ and gents’ chapeaus) was a fascinating sight.
Horses gather at sunrise in beautiful Chester County, Pennsylvania.
The Mud Knot assists in keeping horses’ tails free from mud, brush and rope tangles.
Chowing down from a hay-feeding bag, this horse munches a well-deserved meal.
Hunt Hill Farm owner-operator Jonathan D. Martin is a lifelong horseman and one of the principals involved in the carriage procession’s annual private, by-invitation-only event.
Whether walking, running or driving, this breathtaking view was mine daily while living in Chester County.
Aristocracy at its finest.
Kimora Samuel makes her fashion statement with a nod to Red Man.
Sharon Kozden saddled up “back in the day.”
A four-wheeled horse-drawn carriage displays all manner of intricate details.
Post-event, this stunner is secured to a trailer hitch, ready to make its way from field to road.
From Left, Pamela Bastings, Kelly Carroll, Mickie Bowen and carriage owner Charlie McWilliams graciously accommodate this photog’s request for a snap.
Something tells me that this top-hatted, be-gloved and blanketed gentleman is an expert carriage driver who has performed this ‘gig’ before.
From Top Left, Dr. and Mrs. Donald J. Rosato, Below Left, Karen Cook, Wayne Grafton, Sherry Grisewood. According to the Chinese Zodiac, the Year of the Horse calls the calla lily one of its lucky flowers, jasmine being the other. Note the team effort here in sporting bright yellow calla lily blooms.
Hollyville Farms owners and horses made the trek from Delaware.
I snapped this sunrise-in-the-mist shot during a morning walk along the peaceful country road on which I lived.
Check out this equine beauty giving me the side eye.
Sharon Kozden and friend see eye to eye.
A bar area features hard liquor, wine and more along with individually prepared nut-filled snack cups.
Invitees and attendees relax, chow down and mingle.
Malvern-based Tender Loving Catering set up shop in a field and outdid themselves with an “exquisite and homemade” spread.
A plentiful and hearty array, beautifully displayed, awaited the carriage-procession participants’ return.
“I’ll just die if I don’t get this recipe” is one of my favorite movie quotes (“The Stepford Wives”). This spread looks amazing!
Wrap it up. These look so fresh and chockful of healthful ingredients.
A triple tier (and triple threat) of sweet-treat tasting beckons.
Found in a field one fine fall day. Tender Loving Catering owner Mary Ann Thomson and staff put on quite a show.
The ‘Rule of Thirds’ applies to dessert arrangements as well.
How green is my valley? Storm clouds gather just before a summertime downpour.
Horses and carriages weren’t alone in a Chester County field on one sublime autumn day. Clock this spotless and shiny Rolls Royce!
As the plate suggests, some car owner is clearly LUCKY.
This Rolls Royce classic is a show-stopper.
While the event was not a car show per se, there were enough fine automobiles to think it concours-like.
Dapper gents enjoy the cars, carriages and camaraderie.
Dr. Don Rosato’s silver-gray Rolls Royce as viewed in all of its magnificent splendor.
Here’s a side view of the sleek stunner.
Dr. Rosato’s 1954 Rolls-Royce ‘Silver Dawn’ as seen in profile.
Even the spiders want to call Chester County home.
“Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive!” — Sir Walter Scott
Sharon Kozden (sporting black floppy hat) poses with the talent during the 2016 Radnor Concours d’Elegance with her well-earned VIP pass.
