Deena Kirby, right, hitches her Percheron horses to a carriage while Vicky Carey helps to keep the horses under control Monday at All-Seasons Carriage in Lodi. (Brian Feulner/News-Sentinel)

The carriage returns

Lodi company offers elegance, nostalgia on 8 hooves

Klip-klop. Klip-klop. Klip-klop. The sound is unmistakable, as majestic horses approach at a leisurely gait. They pass, leaving smiles in their wake.

For six years, Deena Kirby has owned and operated All Seasons Carriage Company in Lodi. And her passion for her equine friends began at an early age.

"I've been in constant 'horse-itis' since I was 10 years old," Kirby said at her home and business in Lodi. Her first horse was an Appaloosa, and she's had horses ever since. In 1974, Kirby began breeding horses for sale, and continued to do so for another 20 years.

Kirby began driving the horses by carriage with two reasons in mind: her age and preservation. She wanted to be able to spend time with the animals she loves, and if age ever becomes a factor in riding horses, she'd still be able to drive them. Plus, she believes horse-driven carriages are becoming more and more rare.

"It's a lost art. If we don't keep it going, we'll lose it," Kirby said of the skill.

On Monday, Kirby gently led Bud and Rod, two hefty black Percheron horses, through the stables of All-Seasons Carriage and into the morning light to be hitched up to a black and gold-trimmed 2006 Vis-A-Vis carriage. The horses, each around nine years old, weigh a dainty 2,000 pounds each, and can tow up to twice their weight.

All Seasons Carriage runs four different carriages, the Vis-A-Vis (which is most commonly used for weddings and quinceañeras), a wagonette (used for wine tours) and two funeral carriages, one white and one black.

Although they'll cater to any event, funerals are becoming a more common booking for the carriage service.

"We feel any special event can include horse-drawn carriages," Kirby said.

In that vein, All-Seasons Carriage is available for wine tours (wineries often hire them for ZinFest), and is working with Visit Lodi! to offer special packages.

"I think it is a great addition to the wineries and attractions that we already have out here. It's not an experience that tourists usually get somewhere else," said Nancy Beckman, president and CEO of Visit Lodi!

Kirby transports the horses and equipment as far as Redding, San Francisco and up into the foothills. Though she's concentrating on staying local, Kirby said she had considered offering two-day, three-night tours in Avenue of the Giants in Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Right now there's not enough interest from clients, but she'll reconsider the package if demand increases.

But those thinking about hiring All-Seasons Carriage should plan well in advance, as Kirby is already booking dates for Christmas.

"Whoa. Whoa. Step over. Back. Back," said Kirby as she gently directed the Percherons to be hitched to the Vis-A-Vis. Kirby and Vicky Carey — the all-around ranch hand and co-pilot — speak the commands at a normal volume, as Bud and Rod have phenomenal hearing.

Kirby admits she didn't pay a lot for the pair when she purchased them from a farm in Pennsylvania's Amish Country, but she says it would take a lot for her to sell the solid, hard-working duo now.

Still, it takes a quiet demeanor and kind temperament to work with horses, Kirby said. It doesn't hurt if the horses compliment each other.

"Rod is a thinker, he's emotional and a hard worker," Kirby said, adding that Rod often keeps Bud motivated and in line when Bud begins to get feisty.

In addition to the Percherons, Kirby has two other teams (plus she boards horses as well), always keeping the animals' welfare at the forefront of operations. She is a member of Carriage Operators of North America and is very active in the Animal Welfare Council. How long the horses will work depends entirely on the animals, as they get plenty of rest and water breaks.

As the team is finished being hitched, and Kirby guides them along a country lane, she talks about the nostalgia and elegance the horses and carriage create. "People can't help but smile when they see them," she said.

Klip-klop. Klip-klop. Klip-klop.

"People love hearing that sound," Carey said.

For more information on AllSeasons Carriage Company or to book the service, call Kirby at 986-3096 or e-mail her at allseasons@softcom.net.

Contact Business Editor Marc Lutz at marcl@lodinews.com.