“Tally ho, ho, ho” a Christmas-spirited rider joyfully called out as a merry group on horseback set off to sing carols at three farms in Bedminster, N.J., today.
The event was organized by the Somerset Hills Pony Club, which invited others, including members of the Essex Fox Hounds, to join them. The group met at the farm of Jean and Peter Clark, where they were braced against the chill with hot cider.
The caroling concept had lots of appeal, both for the singers and those for whom they sang.
“It’s a nice thing to do, so I think everyone’s really excited to be out in the neighborhood,” said Peter, serving gingerbread and other goodies from a table on his front lawn.
Jean and Peter Clark gave everyone a send-off with cider and gingerbread. (Photo © 2022 by Nancy Jaffer)
“It’s really in keeping with the spirit of the season, and just another great expression of community around here, the neighbors going out and doing things with one another,” he added.
The horses were decked out for the occasion in (fake) holly, felt reindeer horns and glittering garlands. Riders favored red and white capes and Santa caps.
Elise Tansey and Chaco, decked out from ear bonnet to stirrups. (Photo © 2022 by Nancy Jaffer)
The procession of 20 or so riders included everyone from children to a grandmother. They rode along at the walk for four miles, stopping to serenade delighted members of the community who came out to watch and listen.
The tunes they sang sounded pretty good, considering each rider was an amateur and there were no rehearsals.
Doug Tansey, husband of Pony Club District Commissioner Brita Tansey, enthusiastically played Santa Claus, leading from the back of a pickup truck as the group wound its way around the unpaved roads.
The lineup of songs they offered included “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing,” “Jingle Bells,” “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” and their favorite, a heartfelt, “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”
Hester De Voogd, who rode with her friend, Joy Custer, is from the Netherlands and noted that a similar caroling ride wouldn’t take place there. Christmas celebrations involving equines are confined to the stable. But as she pointed out, until she came to this country she had never experienced hunter paces or tailgating afterward.
Essex Fox Hounds Joint Master Lynn Jones glittered in gold for the caroling. (Photo © 2022 by Nancy Jaffer)
“Completely new for us,’ she said, and called the experience, “amazing. It’s so much fun.”
Rebecca Casey, who was the main organizer, “really did an awesome job,” said Brita.
A friend of Rebecca’s “had planted the seed a few years ago. We have a lot of fun pony clubbers and a lot of people who enjoy getting out and spreading good cheer,” Rebecca said, explaining the genesis of the concept.
Frank Crisola, who greeted the singers at his house, was obviously enjoying himself.
“Loved it. It’s a great tradition. I hope everybody keeps it up.”
Lizzy Chesson and her mother, Sharon Chesson, gathered with their family at Bailiwick Farm to welcome the singers with cider and candy.
Santa (aka Doug Tansey) greets the Chesson family after they were serenaded. (Photo © 2022 by Nancy Jaffer)
“I think it’s so great,” Lizzy said.
“It’s such a great tradition to have everybody out and celebrating Christmas and part of the countryside. Having the kids here singing, it’s just wonderful.”
Here’s a short video of the caroling:
