A Drive Through Time: Carriages, Horses, & History

Gloria Austin spent over 25 years collecting carriages and driving her horses in competitions and exhibitions in the United States, Canada, and Europe. Her experiences with horses from childhood into adulthood lead her to understand and appreciate the historical role of the horse and carriage in the development of the civilized world. Known as the Gloria Austin Carriage Collection, this group of carriages is the largest, most comprehensive collection in the World open to the public. From the simplest of American road carts, to a golden European full state carriages, this collection is designed to tell the story of our heritage and the founding of United States on principles of land ownership and freedom to travel. Gloria is active in the World Coaching Club, European Private Driving Club, The Four-in-hand Club, Carriage Association of America, and The Carriage Museum of America. Gloria is still driving her Spanish horses with the help of Coachman David E. Saunders and the encouragement of her life partner, Dr. Gene Serra. Her granddaughters are all interested in horses and carriage driving.