Once each year, during the second week in August, the picturesque Pittsford countryside comes alive with the magic and romance of an earlier era - a time when the Horse and Carriage reflected the quality of life and influenced the pace and scope of occupational and social activities. It was a time when the Horse and Carriage were elevated from a simple means of personal conveyance to a portrait of their owner - a social commentary as to profession, personal taste, and character. It was the last decade of the 19th century.

In an attempt to recapture the essence and spirit of the 1890's, the Pittsford Carriage Association annually hosts The Walnut Hill Carriage Driving Competition. This international celebration of the art and sport of traditional driving in held in a 19th century country fair setting on the commodious grounds of Walnut Hill Farm, located at 397 West Bloomfield Road in Pittsford, New York.

This living showcase of Americana presents a unique marriage in modern day equine sport - that of combining the pageantry and beauty of exquisitely turned out equipages with the excitement of demanding competition.

The comprehensive five day schedule of classes offers spectators the opportunity to view a wide variety of 19th century carriages exhibited by over 250 competitors from some 20 states, Canada, and Europe. This year included an exhibitor from Australia! Antique vehicles from tiny pony carts to huge road coaches drawn by a four-in-hand (four horses) appointed with highly polished brass and silver harness will be participating in all phases of classical driving competition, including cross-country obstacle classes and the elegant pleasure driving classes in the ring. The Walnut Hill Carriage Driving Competition is sponsored by the Pittsford Carriage Association, a not-for-profit educational group dedicated to encouraging the use of horse drawn vehicles for the revival of the sporting art of classical driving and for the promotion of the public interest in the contributions made by the horse and carriage to our cultural, economic, and social history.