Hay in the air, a distinctive clip-clopping sound, plus a few whinnies here and there must mean only one thing: it’s Horse & Carriage Day again at Boscobel House & Gardens. Children 12 and under are free this year, so bring the whole family at noon on Sunday, October 9, and enjoy a fun day at one of the Hudson Valley’s most scenic autumn venues.

The horse-drawn carriage was the principal mode of transportation in the early 19th century. So, it’s fitting for Boscobel, the distinguished 1808, Federal-style house museum to host The Mid-Hudson Driving Association’s parade of antique horse-drawn vehicles and individual riders wearing costumes from the period. Horse & Carriage Day guests will enjoy an afternoon of scheduled activities, including a narrated parade of horse-drawn carriages, competitions where carriages must negotiate an obstacle course, as well as a pony demonstration by the Red Horse Troop Drill Team.

Horse-drawn wagon rides around the Boscobel estate are included in the price of admission. “Horsing around” begins at noon and continues through 4pm Sunday, October, 9, 2011. Admission: Adults $10, Seniors $9 and Children 12 and under are free (accompanied by a paid adult.) Don’t forget your picnic basket and blanket or chair.

Boscobel is located on scenic Route 9D in Garrison, New York. From April through October, hours are from 9:30am to 5pm- the last tour at 4:00 p.m. The mansion and distinctive museum gift shop are open every day except Tuesdays, Thanksgiving and Christmas. For more information, visit www.Boscobel.org.

Photo courtesy Boscobel/DS Blaney.