Horse-drawn romance
Cub River Carriage Co. offers an experience that enhances an already special occasion.
At least that’s what Doug and Beka Leffler said of the company they started together.
“The carriage ride is so unique in that you are alone with your spouse to really catch the romance together,” Beka said. “The carriage ride will really set the day apart from all the hustle and bustle, and the horses will take your breath away.”
Cub River Carriage Co., located in Cub River, Idaho, specializes in weddings, and no detail is left unnoticed, the couple said.
The vis-a-vis carriage, built in the French colonies of Canada, comes equipped with optional privacy shades and custom-made micro-plush blankets that match the carriage’s burgundy interior. Couples can also request their favorite love songs to be played during their carriage ride. The carriage is pulled by two draft Percheron horses Doug refers to as his “black beauties.” The horses are adorned with reins and harnesses that are black with gold trim.
“We go the extra mile for weddings,” Beka said. “We really doll up the horses.”
The Lefflers’ passion for horses was their motivation for starting Cub River Carriage Co.
“We’ve always loved horses,” Beka said. “They’ve always been a hobby for us.”
Leaving the corporate grind wasn’t hard for Doug when he left his office job and started Cub River Carriage Co., he said.
“The best part of my job is being outside with the horses and out from behind a desk,” Doug said. “My wife deals with the business side, and I work with the horses.”
Doug’s daily routine includes more than just carriage rides. There’s a lot that goes into keeping the horses in pristine condition.
“When the horses aren’t pulling a carriage, they get their exercise from riding around the ranch,” Doug said. “On the ranch, the horses are fed twice a day, once at 6:30 a.m. and then again at 6:30 p.m.”
Depending on the destination of the wedding, the preparation begins with plenty of time in advance, Doug said. He said he needs to account for travel time as well as the time it takes to get the horses ready and hooked up to the carriage.
“If we’re doing a ride in Logan, we need to leave at least an hour and a half before we’re supposed to be there,” Doug said. “That way, we have enough time to get there and get the gear on the horses.”
Beka said the horse-drawn carriage really draws attention. She loves seeing people who don’t know the bride take pictures of the horses and the carriage.
“It’s just so beautiful,” Beka said.
-b.winn@aggiemail.usu.edu