TOUR THE AUSTIN CARRIAGE COLLECTION

​At its pinnacle, the Gloria Austin Carriage Collection had over 180 antique traditional carriages, many sets of harness, artifacts, artwork, and an extensive equine library. Today there are 40 gigs, carts, coaches, and carriages that are available for guided tours. Meet our friendly horses, learn about the working life of a driving horse, visit our carriage house and see our collection on display. All are welcome to bring a lunch and enjoy the view from our picnic area.

​*Tour is approximately 1.5 hrs with additional time allowed for independent viewing of exhibits or to enjoy a picnic on the grounds (picnic and supplies to be provide by guests).

 BOOK A TOUR  AT THE EQUINE HERITAGE INSTITUTE
3024 Marion County Rd. Weirsdale, FL 32195​
​(Not located at Grand Oaks Resort)
$5/person, 10 guests max, 2 minimum.
Length: 1.5 hours
Tours are available on Tuesdays and Fridays
Choose between two times, 10:00 am or 1:00 pm
To Book a Tour:
Click on "Book Tour" to see available dates/times.
For questions, Email: office@gloriaaustin.com

Once you have booked your tour, we will call you to accept a $10 reservation fee. *$10 reservation fee covers tour for two people, the rest of your party can pay at door with cash or card.

MEET GLORIA AUSTIN 

​Gloria Austin’s emergence into the horse world was initially as a riding enthusiast, which prompted her to study the horse in depth. Driven by an intense intellectual curiosity, she took up driving horses and collecting horse drawn vehicles. Her fervent need to share both her love and knowledge of the equestrian world led to the building of the Austin Carriage Collection in the mid-eighties and was on display at the Grand Oaks Resort and Museum until 2011. Ms. Austin has competed at all levels in traditional carriage driver training. She is best known today as one of the world’s premier four-in-hand and coaching drivers. Gloria is a lifetime member of The Carriage Association of America,  a founding member of the Four-in- Hand Club and held memberships in the World Coaching Club, the Philadelphia Four in Hand Club, European Private Driving Club, and British Driving Society. Her love of travel and carriages has allowed her to drive in fourteen countries on four continents with eighteen different horse breeds. Her mission is to “educate, celebrate and preserve the history of the horse and its role in shaping world civilizations and changing lives.”

A SNEAK PREVIEW OF THE TOUR

MEET SHELLEY
YOUR TOUR GUIDE

​Bring your questions! Shelley is ready to answer them
and tell you all about ​horses and carriage driving!

Shelley has a vast and diverse background in equestrian management.  She has over 25 years experience as a farm manager which involved horse breeding, training, complete care of  horses and showing horses. She is well versed in the selection of correct equipment for horses and carriages and coordinated museum docents at the Florida Carriage Museum at Grand Oaks.