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unheard of on a working farm.
After Mikey eats, Michael leads him
to the wash down — a large enclosed
stall just outside of the barn doors.
Mikey is then led back to the barn for
further grooming.
Mikey is tacked for the day, including
a studded brow band attached to
blinders that keep him focused during
the tours. On special occasions Mikey,
and other horses are festively dressed.
When ready, Michael harnesses
Mikey to the carriage and begins
driving north on Second Street. The
carriage-loading station is located at
the foot of Market Street, next to the
Cape Fear River.
Mikey’s hooves clop, clop along the
18th-century bricks at a steady pace;
the carriage wheels roll smoothly,
swaying a little from the uneven
cobblestones. Downtown feels different
from underneath the awning of
the carriage; it’s full of rich stories and
memories that pull guests into a time
of revolution and petticoats. Michael
waves at passers-by, describing the history
of homes, businesses and residents
to his passengers.
Every horse that the Puccis rescue
has gone through extensive training to
be able to navigate through the congested
city streets. Until they are three
years old, the Amish voice trains them
for fieldwork. At Springbrook, the
horses learn to disregard noises made
by people, and instead follow the
direction given through the reins. This
ensures the carriage horse will follow
only the carriage man’s instructions.
“Our business is one of the few that
perfectly matches these slower draft
horses,” Pucci says, at their preferred
pace while still getting the exercise
they need. For Mikey and the other
1,800-pound horses, pulling a full
carriage is equal to a person casually
riding a bicycle.
The horses work approximately one
week per month and are rotated to
guarantee that each horse is healthy
and does not become overweight.
“We like that we can keep them
©2012 Porsche Cars North America. Porsche recommends seat belt usage and observance of all traffic laws at all times.
Porsche of Fayetteville
(910) 487-0000 • 800-264-3203
3211 Bragg Blvd. Fayetteville, NC 28303
www.porscheoffayetteville.com