b"Villa Louis Carriage Classic 2023Phil Odden's pair, Oddens Josefine and Oddens Frode, driven by Arrya Gaspar.PC: ROCarlson PhotographyBy Phil OddenThe Villa Louis Carriage Classic is a Pleasure Driving show for horses, mules, and even donkeys. The show Karen Hanson driving Goldie and Gaja takes place annually on the beautiful banks of the mighty PC: ROCarlson PhotographyMississippi River at Prairie du Chien the first weekend after Labor Day using American Driving Society rules and judges. This was the 42nd annual year and there were more than 120 entries from several states making it the largest Pleasure Driving show in America. Fjords were again well represented at Villa Louis. VillaLouisisaboutwell-traineddrivingequinesput toappropriatevehicleswithappropriateclothingand appointments. That being said it seems to be more and more about elegance. The level of training and athletic abilityneededtowinribbonsincreasesyearbyyear. Still, Fjords do quite well at Villa Louis if the drivers can master the needed skills and be mentally prepared to meet the challenge. ResultsKaren Hanson driving Goldie and Gaja. PC: Bob Mischka This year, Karen Hanson won the Pair Pony division with her mother and daughter pair of Gaja and Goldie. Gaja, the 17 year-old mother, is an imported Fjord from 34 Fjord Herald Issue #149Winter 2023"