Get to know the gentle giants behind every Palmetto tour — with a little help from Barn Lead Andrew Smith.
When most visitors think of a carriage tour, they picture historic streets, gas lamps, and expert storytelling. But the true stars of the show are the draft horses who pull each carriage. These gentle giants aren’t just powerful — they’re full of personality, quirks, and charm. In honor of the season of gratitude, we’re sharing some fun facts about our herd, with help from Barn Lead Andrew Smith, who works with them every day.
They’re Big, But Gentle
Draft horses are known for their size and strength, but their personalities are often just as impressive. “People forget that our horses are really just coworkers,” Andrew says. “They’re massive animals, but they rely on us the same way we rely on them.” That bond, built through trust and care, makes them not only powerful workers but also affectionate companions.
Every Horse Has a Quirk
Spend time in the Big Red Barn and you’ll quickly notice that no two horses are alike. Take Moultrie, for example. According to Andrew, he has a particular obsession with his water bucket. “He hates when it’s even the slightest bit empty,” Andrew laughs. “Sometimes he’ll stick his whole leg in the bucket just to make his point.”
Then there’s Clint, one of Palmetto’s newer horses. “He’s nosy,” Andrew says. “Always looking around, listening to conversations, and sticking his head over the stall to greet people. He loves inspecting everyone for treats.”
Rest Days Matter
Guests are sometimes surprised to learn how much rest these horses get. While you’ll see them downtown at the barn or on tour, much of their time is actually spent at Palmetto’s farm on John’s Island. Horses rotate in and out of the city, taking “vacation days” to relax in open pastures, visit the farrier, or enjoy time off. It’s part of the reason Palmetto horses are some of the happiest and healthiest in Charleston.
They Love Showing Off
For Andrew, one of the best parts of the job is introducing visitors to the herd. “A lot of guests have never even seen a horse up close before. We love showing off their personalities and quirks,” he says. From the way they perk up at the sound of their names to the little “smiles” they flash when scratched in the right spot, these horses love making connections with people.
Why We’re Thankful for Our Horses
This November, we’re especially grateful for our herd of draft horses and the team that cares for them. As Andrew puts it, “Happy horses make happy drives — and that means happy guests.”
Want to meet them for yourself? Stop by the Big Red Barn before your tour, where you can often catch a glimpse of the horses being groomed, fed, or simply showing off their personalities.
Plan your visit today and see why these gentle giants are the heart of every Palmetto Carriage Works experience.
