Courtesy Pat Hammond
Pat Hammond (in blue) delights a group of passengers on his sleigh pulled by Norwegian fjord horses.
With his sleigh and carriage service in Ashland, Pat Hammond has provided pleasant rides for many families and couples. He fondly recalls a favorite job, one time when a fellow hired him for a 10th anniversary surprise for his wife.
“He gave me a route to go around town to places that had been significant in their life, like their first houses, and the house where their first child was born,” Pat says.
He took the couple to the marina, where a seaplane picked them up, then it was on to Washburn to meet a limo.
Another memorable job for Pat involved a group of six women friends who gather regularly.
“This was a nighttime ride. It was snowing,” he recalls.
The ladies sat in the sleigh and sang their hearts out. All were very good singers.
“You felt like you were in a cathedral,” Pat says.
They performed in multipart harmonies. “It was wonderful.”
Northwoods Sleigh & Carriage sits on 18 acres on the edge of Ashland. Rides start there and then head out to the local Prentice Park or the Tri-County Corridor, a snowmobile trail during the day. Or guests can suggest a location. There are no restrictions on who can ride; and lap sitters are welcome.
Pat uses Norwegian fjord horses, distinguished by the dark stripe on their mane and described as one of the world’s oldest breeds. He works on a reservation basis. In summer, he offers hayrides and wagon rides.
In December, the people who call to set up rides are typically “families home for the holidays who want to do something special.”
If there’s a large group, “we make a couple of separate runs,” Pat says. Those waiting for their turn can warm themselves by the Northwoods fire.
Northwoods Sleigh & Carriage, 3100 Junction Road, Ashland. 715-682-4963. www.northwoodscarriage.com.