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He is quiet for a good portion of the time so that people can<br />
take in the sound of the sleigh bells, and take in the scenery<br />
over different terrains at different speeds. “We can go along<br />
slowly, but then at one point be flying. At the back of the<br />
farm, it gets hilly and I call that the rollercoaster portion of<br />
the ride. I get the horses charging up and down the hills. Last<br />
March I experienced the sense of detachment that the old<br />
timers talk of. There was seven inches of fluffy snow, and we<br />
were cruising along and couldn’t feel the ground.”<br />
People learn to appreciate the magic of winter when they<br />
are dashing through the snow. According to Wismer, before<br />
the days of weather forecasting, people would rise up in the<br />
morning and see the ground covered in snow. To them, it<br />
was an inspiring spectacle and was celebrated. Snow meant<br />
the harbinger of the coming season. Winter was a time for<br />
farmers to take a break from the hard work and socialize. It<br />
was a time to visit with friends and relatives that lived in faroff<br />
places. You could hook up the horse to the sleigh and go<br />
faster than with a wagon or carriage. “Today winter is an inconvenience<br />
to most people. Years ago, it played a great part<br />
for the population engaged in agricultural pursuits.”<br />
Wismer offers sleigh rides by reservation all week long,<br />
during the day and night. According to Wismer, some of the<br />
most beautiful rides are at night. The moonlight reflects off<br />
of the snow. The winds have died down. You see the deer<br />
and fox running around. There are the great horned owls<br />
hanging out in the big 300-year-old sycamore tree. During<br />
the day, you can see the preserved Montgomery County<br />
farm’s ice skating pond, red-tailed hawk nests, old quarry,<br />
and neighboring historic sites. Riders can stay warm on the<br />
Santa sleigh with sleigh blankets or a buffalo hide. For the<br />
group ride, you must bring your own coverings. There are<br />
no pets, food, or beverages permitted.<br />
To schedule a sleigh ride, you can book a couple of ways.<br />
If you there is an accumulation of snow on the ground, you<br />
can seize the moment and schedule one. If there is snow in<br />
the forecast, you can contact Wismer and he can give you<br />
options. For Valentine’s Day weekend, you can schedule<br />
ahead because it fills up very quickly. Be aware that the sleigh<br />
ride is dependent upon the weather conditions. Wismer<br />
does not have a waiting list, but he does offer sleigh ride gift<br />
certificates. They are perfect for those who have everything,<br />
60 M O N T C O M A G . C O M