Chattanooga Carriage Company hosted its Valentine’s Day event
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Today in Chattanooga, horse carriages gently trotted through the streets as the Chattanooga Carriage Company hosted its annual Rides and Roses Valentine’s Day event.
News 12 visited the company workshop to learn how the business began and what makes the Valentine’s Day tradition special for the community.
The Chattanooga Carriage Company offered romantic and family friendly carriage rides through downtown, complete with roses for guests who booked the holiday tour.
Families also joined in the celebration, including the Ortiz family and their two excited children who shared a cheerful Valentine’s Day greeting with the community.
Owner Meagan Sparks said the Valentine’s Day rides are part of a series of themed events the company hosts throughout the year.
“So your ride comes with roses as long as you book the Valentine’s Day tour. Just like around October we do the haunted tours. Those are really popular. We also have the Christmas light tour for Christmas. So we do different things throughout the year.”
Sparks explained that her love for horses began at a young age and has shaped her entire career.
“Well I grew up just obsessed with horses basically. I wanted to go horseback riding at the age of four. My mom started taking me to lessons. My parents bought me my first horse at nine. I had him until 2022. He was 32 when he passed away. I just basically found my niche and I ran with it. They are my passion and I’ve never worked a day since.”
One of the drivers, Jonathan Rackley, said working with the carriage company has allowed him to witness unforgettable moments.
“I have a five year old daughter and that’s how I first got into doing these carriage rides. Seeing her face for the very first time made me want to ask questions. Then I got a job with Miss Meagan Sparks and it is incredible. Every single child’s face, every couple’s face. I’ve had a few engagements on my carriages. It’s just an exciting experience.”
Sparks also assured the community that the horses receive attentive care both on and off the clock.
“We only get the horses ready here. We keep the carriages here and the horses go home every night. It’s a different horse every day. I feel like I am an animal advocate for these guys. This year I got it passed through city ordinance that horses over the age of 25 are not allowed to work in downtown Chattanooga. These horses deserve retirement just like us. They live on a 30-acre farm with alfalfa and regular grass hay and lots of grain and treats. When I’m not here, I’m there.”
Click here to schedule a carriage ride through the Chattanooga Carriage Company website.
