The very thought of a horse-drawn sleigh brings to mind the Currier & Ives lithographs depicting romantic winter scenes in nineteenth-century America.

Visitors to Dushore, Sullivan County, will have the opportunity to experience this rare event on Sunday, January 15th, from noon to 3 p.m. The free event will take place in the field behind Redeemer Bible Church on German Street.

Photo by NorthWoods Farm, LLC: Jay El pulling a two-seater antique swell body sleigh.

The judged rally typically hosts 5 or 6 teams competing in different classes. The horses that compete vary from large draft horses to mini-sized horses. The working class is on the horse’s way of going, which tests how well the horse has been trained. In the Currier & Ives class, the presentation of classic winter turnouts of the 19th and early 20th century will be on display – think Currier & Ives. Everything from the harness to the attire worn by the driver is judged.

Always a spectator favorite, the sleigh dog class is all about the canine and is judged on how suitable he is as a companion in the sleigh. The speed classes are timed events that require the horses to maneuver through strategically placed cones. Ribbons are awarded in each class.

Spectators can warm up and grab a bite to eat inside Redeemer Bible Church, where baked goods and hot drinks will be offered by donation. There will also be a BBQ food truck on site. The event is weather-dependent, so two alternate dates are chosen in advance, Saturday, February 4th and Sunday, February 19th.

Photo by NorthWoods Farm, LLC

If you plan to attend, bring your lawn chairs and a cozy blanket and allow the sound of sleigh bells to take you back to a simpler time when sleighs were an essential mode of transportation in the winter months.

For more information and updates on possible date changes due to weather conditions, visit www.facebook.com/endlessmountainssleighrally.