The Walnut Hill Farm Driving Competition
For five days each August since 1972, the picturesque Pittsford, NY countryside comes alive with the elegance and excitement of the last decade of the 19th century—The Gilded Age.
Hosted by the Pittsford Carriage Association, this international event—the largest pleasure driving competition in the country—brings hundreds of drivers, their carriages and horses from throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe to compete at Walnut Hill Farm. Spectators get an up-close experience to view competitors vie for top prizes in the art and sport of traditional driving in a Victorian Country Fair setting. From single pony carts to the breathtaking elegance of formal road coaches, all divisions compete in the four categories of traditional turnout, obstacle driving, reinsmanship, and cross-country.
And an event like this wouldn’t be complete without special demonstrations and presentations, an opportunity to visit our boutiques and food vendors, the on-site Carriage Museum and English gardens, and family activities and photo opportunities. Finally, don’t forget to stop by the temporary stables to see “behind-the-scenes” where horses are being bathed and groomed, and where carriages and harnesses are given the final touches prior to competition.