Reviews

 
 
Hitch-in-Time, is the most recognized horse-drawn carriage service in the State of Ohio. Hitch-in-Time was founded in 2007 by Linda Peiffer. Over the past few years, Hitch-in-Time has performed 100's of engagements in some of the most prestigious destinations Northeast Ohio has to offer.
   
 

Owner of Hitch-in-Time, Linda Peiffer
 
  Allow me to introduce myself, I am Ms. Linda and I 've been a people person all my life . In my professional life I've conquered a fair number of mountains, enjoyed successes and even confronted some failures. But then, one day I chose to leave behind the business suits, briefcases and fame-seeking . Here's my story .

I grew up on a farm in Northeast Ohio , one of 5 children. My mother was the farmer of the family and a very hard worker who loved raising her kids on a farm. Farming was tough in those days, but I believe my mother invented multi-tasking . S he could do it all . My father said she wore out two teams of draft horses one day working the fields. W e grew corn, wheat, alfalfa, oats, timothy and baled our own hay and straw. We raised our own chickens, pigs, beef cattle and milk cows and the farm kept our family well fed.

One very special day in particular comes to mind. I t was sale day at the local auction barn and my mother never missed an auction. I came home from school entered the barn to find she gotten me an adorable black and white Shetland pony . Our eyes met and I named him King! I remember mother led King out to the pasture and handed me his lead line , then she marched out of the pasture leaving me alone with my new pony. I gazed at the fat black and white body slung between two pairs of shaggy legs . His tail swept the ground at one end and dark eyes under thick lashes looked at me from the other end . It was like being left alone with a chain saw. I thought I was in mortal danger, but I was holding my very first horse! It was t he best thing that ever happened to me during my childhood. T hose days of growing up on the farm are long gone , but I have many treasured memories and will never forget the love my mother had for her draft horses and the love I had for that little pony .
 
 
King
 

It was 2007 when I purchased DmBingo , AKA Bingo , a Black and White Registered North American Spotted Draft horse . He was a far cry from the little Shetland pony of my childhood. Bingo was 2 1/2 years old and very big with similar markings as King which brought back some great memories. Bingo had no formal training , but he was eager to learn , so I sent him to Joe Alan Yoder, a highly recommended trainer in Middlefield, Ohio.

Bingo's first major task was plowing Joe's garden and mowing using an Amish lawn mower. Joe said, "Bingo was the best horse he ever used for mowing his lawn". Joe introduced him to all kinds of Amish machinery and even hitched him to a more seasoned horse as a team. Approximately 12 weeks later Bingo had successfully completed his schooling. Then he and I spent several weeks learning how to work together as a team.


In the spring of 2008 when Bingo was only 3 1/2 years old we were asked to participate in the 41st Annual Prix De Ville held at Lake Erie College Equestrian Center . It was our first job as a team! We hauled the President of Lake Erie, a big task for such a young horse who had never been in the spotlight let alone in an indoor arena. but as we entered the arena, Bingo proudly lifted his head as if to show the crowd he had been doing it for years.

When I met Larry Smith, a well known carriage fancier and collector in our area , he invited me to see his collection of carriages , authentic lanterns,shaft bells,lap robes, harnesses and carriage memorabilia . Entering his carriage house was like entering a time capsule . I looked around and felt sadness that I hadn't lived in a time when horsepower was the only means of transportation . His collection was exquisite and Larry's knowledge fascinated me. He not only knew carriages, he also knew details of life during the carriage era. leaving his carriage house I knew I was never going to be the same .

I was determind to revisit that romantic era not just for myself, but to share it with others as well. Suddenly i t all became clear; my new enterprise would be called Hitch-in-Time. Soon Bingo and I (AKA Ms. Linda) were traveling together in a time when life was savored slowly. I became an active member of the Western Reserve Carriage Association ; a diverse group of people sharing a common interest in driving horse- powered vehicles. Today we participate in carriage drives throughout Ohio from March into November.


I am strongly committed to promoting the Humane Welfare of Carriage Animals. S ome people think carriage horses are mistreated , but Bingo lives better than most humans . He has pasture to roam and graze and then he retires to an immaculate barn where his stall is meticulously cleaned daily . He's fed the best food and hay and he wears custom-made shoes. I never ask him to do more than he is emotionally or physically able to do , so he always looks forward to his harness . Bingo and I share a special respect for one another ; a powerful bond of trust and teamwork. I have always believed the best thing a horse owner can do is to spend the time and train a horse well for you never know when you have to part with them. He will always have a great home.

In keeping with our victorian presentation, I personally design and sew all my carriage driving attire; Everything from elegant hats to one - of - a - kind Victorian driving suits.

For those of you who believe one can never travel back in history, I say why not? After all, it's just a Hitch-in-Time!

 

 

Breed History Spotted drafts can be found throughout history, and were used as war horses in medieval times. There was a brown and white draft in Queen Elizabeth's Court, believed to be a Drum Horse. These spotted horses also share a long history in the United States. A breeder in Iowa had over twenty spotted drafts back in the mid 60's.

Conformation Spotted drafts should have conformation which closely reflects the draft type they most resemble (Percheron/Belgian type, Suffolk type, Shire/Clydesdale type, etc.). Generally the frame should be large, supported by clean, dense bone. Short, strong, muscled forearms and thighs. Legs placed well under the horse. Intelligent heads with active ears, powerful, arching necks which are clean cut at the throat. Shoulders tend to be upright, suitable for power rather than action. The back is short and strong. Ribs spring high from the backbone. The hindquarters are long and smooth to the root of the tail, which springs higher up than other breeds. The hip bones are wide apart smoothly covered, the croup usually level. Depth and thickness from the withers to the legs are essential and they should be as deep in the flank as over the heart. The average height of the spotted draft is 16hh to 17hh+.

Color Spotted drafts exhibit pinto coloring in the patterns of tobiano, overo, or tovero. Blue eyes are uncommon, but acceptable. Any base color is acceptable, though the most popular are black, bay, and brown.

Disposition and Use The spotted draft has a splendid disposition and an easy temperament. It exhibits a ready willingness to work, great endurance and the quality, known as "heart," which is well known. These horses are used for agricultural work, pleasure driving, parades, commercial carriages, showing, logging and riding.