Tally-Ho Carriage Tours

08/21/2024

We love being able to share our beautiful horses with our community! For the last three years, Tally-Ho has brought a mini-herd of draft horses to the Saanich Fair, where the horses have been doted on and gained so many admirers! We have enjoyed this time, and getting to see all the familiar faces that come to see the horses each year! It has been an honor to keep the draft horse aspect of the fair going since it shuttered during COVID. However, we aren't draft horse showmen/women and while we've been able to provide demonstrations and keep the popular log skid going (kudos to Brianna Friedlander for her stellar performances here!), we made the decision last year to step back in hopes that a competitive draft horse show could be resurrected, drawing in the big hitches again!

Unfortunately, this has not come to fruition this year; but there will still be a small draft horse presence at the fair and we hope everyone has a great fair weekend :).

If you miss seeing the Tally-Ho horses, we invite you to our farm to experience their lives and see behind the scenes. Another "Hidden Acres Farm Tour" opportunity will be made available this fall - a date will be announced shortly!

08/20/2024

🕰️ What's included in the "Heritage Tour"?

Join us for a charming 30-minute journey through the historic James Bay neighbourhood! On this tour, we'll pass by the birthplace of the renowned artist and writer Emily Carr.

With us, you'll experience this beloved area's rich history and vibrant culture from the comfort of a traditional horse-drawn carriage (https://www.tallyhotours.com/victoria-tours/).

Stay tuned for more details about each point of interest on our tour! 🐴✨

08/13/2024

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of our beloved horse, Sarge. Since 2010, Sarge has been an integral part of the Tally-ho family, leaving an indelible mark on everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Sarge was our first of many Clydesdales from Ed and Tara. He quickly became the face of Tally-ho during our rebranding. Over the years, he trained countless new drivers, always with a playful spirit—testing the limits of what he could get away with—while leading with the calm, steady presence. Through all the changes our family experienced, Sarge remained a constant source of strength and reliability.

Even after countless hours downtown, happily providing tours to our guests, Sarge never lost his cautious curiosity—still giving a plastic bag the side-eye as he walked by. His quirks, his strength, and his leadership will be missed by so many, but his memory will live on in the hearts of the carriage drivers who had the honor of driving him.

Sarge, you were one of a kind, and you will be deeply missed by all of us at Tally-ho❤️🥕

08/13/2024

Stop #2: James Bay, Victoria

🏞️ What else is on the "Short & Sweet Tour"?

The next stop is the enchanting neighbourhood of James Bay! Known for its quaint streets and stunning waterfront views, James Bay is a perfect blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy.

As one of Victoria’s oldest neighbourhoods, it’s home to the iconic Fisherman's Wharf and offers a delightful spot for families and adventure seekers alike (https://www.tallyhotours.com/victoria-tours/).

Our knowledgeable tour guides will highlight the area's unique history and scenic beauty, creating a personalized and memorable experience.🌟

Book your adventure with Tally-Ho today and create lasting memories! 🐴✨

08/07/2024

Children's Day! Aug 10th at Heritage Acres (Saanich Historical Artifacts Society).

Come cuddle a draft horse! We will be on site from 10 am to 3:30 pm, and have some great demonstrations planned!

o 10 am to 3:30 pm – Meet the Tally-Ho draft horses!
o 10 am - Horseshoeing demonstration by Hammer and Anvil Farrier Service
o Noon – Draft horse braiding demonstration
o 2 pm - Draft horse harness demonstration

Look for the horses near the lake!

08/06/2024

Stop #1: BC Legislature Buildings

🏛️ What can you see on the "Short & Sweet Tour"?

First up, the majestic BC Legislature Buildings! These grand structures, standing since 1898, are home to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. Our tour takes you to the heart of this historic landmark, where you can admire the stunning architecture and delve into its fascinating history.

Our friendly and knowledgeable tour guides will share captivating stories and facts, making this a must-see for history enthusiasts and casual explorers.✨

Book your tour now, and let Tally-Ho take you on an unforgettable journey (https://www.tallyhotours.com/contact/)! 🐴

08/03/2024

Jerry 💖 It is always our honor to be part of wedding festivities, and what a fantastic parade this was! Our beautiful Clydesdale, Jerry, led the way, followed by 100 well-wishing guests! Our heartfelt congratulations to the bride and groom!

08/02/2024

A beautiful doodle by our lovely carriage driver Alex. ❤️. Frankie is one of our new horses this year and has quickly won our hearts. If you’re in the area, come meet Frankie in real life tonight!

08/01/2024

Come and meet LOUIE at Children's Day on Aug 10th, at Heritage Acres!

"Aird Louis" (Louie) is a registered Clydesdale gelding, born on May 12, 2016, in Great Britain. He was imported to the United States to become part of a 10-horse show hitch; however, his previous owners were unable to fulfill this dream due to health reasons. Louie visited New Mexico, Montana and Washington states before finding his new home with us in mid-2023. We have thoroughly enjoyed welcoming him to the family, and are all too happy to receive his daily doses of love! 🥰🐴🌟

07/30/2024

🐴 What's in store on the "Short & Sweet Tour"?

Join us as we take you through Victoria's most beloved locations. First, we'll visit the majestic BC Legislature Buildings, where you can admire the grand architecture and dive into its rich history.

Next, we'll explore the charming neighbourhood of James Bay, known for its scenic waterfront views and quaint streets (https://www.tallyhotours.com/victoria-tours/).

With Tally-Ho, you'll enjoy a leisurely and picturesque ride through these captivating areas from the comfort of a traditional horse-drawn carriage.

Stay tuned for more details about each stop on our tour! 🐴✨

07/26/2024

Oh hey boys! Louie and Clay love their time in the field 💗🌞

07/24/2024

Air Quality Update!

As the smoke from the Sooke fire is drifting our way we are monitoring the provincial air quality index closely. At this time, there is no threat to our horses or staff working in these conditions, in fact the Greater Victoria area is better air quality then Saanichton, where our farm is located. We will continue working with our Equine Specialist Veterinarian to ensure the health and well-being of our horses. Should the air quality reach unhealthy levels, we will temporarily halt operations until it improves. Keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.

We appreciate your understanding as we prioritize our horses' health🐴🌼

Stay safe everyone💖

07/18/2024

It is with a heavy heart that we share the sad news that we had to put down King, one of our beloved working horses, this morning. King touched the lives of so many people and children with his gentle spirit, amazing wrap-around hugs, and boundless enthusiasm. He loved his work and approached every new adventure with joy and eagerness.

King was not just a horse; he was a cherished member of our family, bringing smiles and unforgettable moments to all who had the pleasure of meeting him. He was an amazing ambassador, and we took him to every public event we could as people instantly bonded with him, and felt his gentle nature. King loved to go for trail rides in Centennial Park, and when working in Victoria pulling carriage he always had so much energy and enthusiasm.

Thank you for sharing your life with us dear friend. You brought us strength, provided us warmth and support when we needed it, made us laugh with your silly antics, and taught us rush to get your grain in the mornings 🥰. Your incredible legacy of love will remain in our hearts forever. ❤️❤️❤️

We hope you find peace, comfort and endless fields of green grass with your old friends, over the Rainbow Bridge. 🌈

07/16/2024

🎉Can you book private Tally-Ho Carriage Tours for special events?

We also fully customize horse-drawn services for special occasions or specific events.

Whether it's a romantic carriage ride for a marriage proposal, a unique way to celebrate a birthday or anniversary, or a group outing for a corporate event, or a large family gathering, Tally-Ho Carriage Tours provides a unique, fun and charming experience.

Please contact us to discuss your ideas such as the route, duration, and any additional amenities or services you desire.

07/09/2024

🗺️Do guests have the option to customize their tour route?

Tally-Ho’s Grand and Premier tours (https://www.tallyhotours.com/victoria-tours/) allow for some customization of the tour routes while remaining within our restricted operating zones.

If there are specific landmarks you wish to see, please contact us to determine if they are accessible by horse-drawn carriage and which tour would be best suited to your preferences.

07/08/2024

Horses and Heat!

Victoria has an ideal climate for carriage horses, boasting a very low humidity ratio and almost constant offshore breezes which keep summer days from becoming too hot. But when heat waves are in the forecast, we follow strict health guidelines and closely monitor our beloved horses for signs of heat stress.

Tally-Ho’s horses are at low risk of experiencing health issues during a heat wave in Victoria, in large part because of the light work they perform (only using about 20% of their actual pulling capacity and keeping to a walk). Additionally, when at rest the horses lounge under the shade of boulevard trees, next to the inner harbor where breezes naturally cool the air; are provided daily electrolytes, soaked feed and ample water to ensure they are optimizing their hydration; and are cold hosed as needed to help them keep their internal body temperatures within a healthy range.

On hotter days, the Tally-Ho team visually monitors each horse closely for signs of lethargy, stress, etc.; takes each horses' internal body temperature throughout the day (which is perhaps the best way to monitor their health); and follows the widely used Horse Heat Index as an additional health monitoring guide (the current environmental temperature plus the relative humidity forms a Heat Stress Score: as the sum of the numbers grow, we know we may need to assist the horse to maintain a healthy internal body temperature). During these periods we are also in close contact with our Equine Specialist veterinarian who provides oversight of the herd’s health and advises on appropriate working conditions.

COOL FACTS!!
Horses have natural, built-in heat-reduction capabilities, including evaporative cooling (sweat pulls moisture and heat off the horse) and convection (blood vessels dilate and transfer heat from the blood into the air). Once their body temperature reaches greater than 42C, their respiratory system kicks in to help “blow off” some of the extra body heat (approximately 15% of the body heat can be dissipated via respiration).

07/03/2024

Meet most of our team! We appreciate all the hard work and care they put into their job and the horses❤️

We don’t always hook the horses up to carriages, sometimes we all head to the farm, do some team bonding, and take some of the horses out for a ride! 🇨🇦🎉

07/02/2024

👧👦 Are the “Behind the Scenes” horse tours appropriate for kids?

The "Behind the Scenes" horse tours, such as the Hidden Acres Farm tour, can be a great experience for kids (https://www.tallyhotours.com/behind-the-scenes-experiences/).

These tours allow children to interact with the draft horses, learn about their care routines, witness demonstrations, and experience the unique connection between them and their handlers.

It can be an educational and engaging experience for children interested in animals and farm life. However, it is essential to consider the age and interest of the child to ensure they will fully enjoy and benefit from the tour.

07/01/2024

Happy Canada Day friends! Some of our boys are out until 4pm today if you’d like to come for a ride🇨🇦🍁❤️

06/25/2024

🐴 What is included in the Grass Roots horse experience?

The Grass Roots horse experience (https://www.tallyhotours.com/behind-the-scenes-experiences/) includes a hands-on opportunity to connect with the Tally-Ho draft horses, learn how their humans ensure they are living their best lives, understand their training process, and explore the working horse harness.

Participants can tailor the experience to their interests, either spending time with the horse or adding a short carriage ride.

06/23/2024

Swipe to groom one of our retirees, Sarge! Although he doesn’t go downtown anymore, Sarge loves a good cuddle session.

06/18/2024

This morning 7 of the beautiful Tally-Ho horses welcomed guests from around the world to Victoria, BC! Meet King, Maisie, Louie, Sampson, Red, Spot and Jerry ❤️

06/18/2024

🎠 What is included in a Tally-Ho carriage tour?

Our private horse-drawn carriage tours may include the historic James Bay neighbourhood of Victoria, the beautiful gardens of Beacon Hill Park, the scenic vistas along the Salish Sea waterfront, and many local landmarks and points of interest.

Our friendly and knowledgeable tour guides will personalize the tour to suit your interests – ranging from an educational, historical tour to the opportunity just to sit back, relax and listen to the rhythm of your horse’s footfalls.

The experience offers a leisurely way to explore the region’s charm while enjoying the picturesque surroundings from the comfort of a traditional carriage.

06/11/2024

🦽 Are your carriages wheelchair accessible?

Our carriages are modelled on traditional horse-drawn vehicles (albeit with modern amenities such as brakes!).

There is a narrow, single-foot step into the carriage that our guests must be able to navigate.

We believe everyone should have the chance to meet the stars of our show, the horses, so we created our Grass Roots Experience specifically for persons who may have mobility restrictions.

06/04/2024

👚📸 What should I wear on a carriage tour?

Comfort is key! We suggest dressing for the weather, so bring a cozy layer if it's chilly out.

We provide blankets, and if it’s raining, will raise the roof so you stay nice and dry.

Don't forget your camera – you'll want to capture the beautiful sights.

06/03/2024

Looking back at the parade a couple weeks ago, here is the old fire steamer our trio pulled! It weighs around 10,000 pounds, but the boys made light work of the load 💛💪🎖️

06/02/2024

Seaside Magazine has a great article on our horses and their presence in the Saanich Peninsula farming community! Thank you so much to Cassidy at Nunn Other Photography for the *gorgeous* photo of Ace and and his driver, Alex, and of course for highlighting the great opportunities to meet the horses in fun, country settings! (See pages 66-67).

The next opportunity to meet the Tally-Ho horses will be at Heritage Acres for Children’s Day on Aug 10/24!

Think of our publication as an extra dimension of our community space, a place where the voice of the Saanich Peninsula is treasured and celebrated.

05/28/2024

Louie is just popping onto your feed to say hi, and look at his soft, pink nose!❤️