A Percheron Draft horse breed, Cotton is in the business of pulling carriages. Literally the horsepower for the Temecula Carriage Company, he’s known for having major stamina.

"The horse is such a sweetheart," said owner and carriage driver Marika Vierling, a Temecula resident. "He comes down here and works so hard. He sees a fire truck and says, ‘Okay, I can do this.’"

Vierling laughed, saying when Cotton stops behind a car, he’ll inch up just like a car inches up to a stop sign.

"He’s so good to us," she continued. "We have a whole crew and barn. His stall is clean. He always has food in front of him and a thick bed of shavings. He gets so many baths. That’s why he’s so soft."

With a background in training rugged cow horses, Vierling wholeheartedly welcomed the more formal, pretty Cotton into her life.

The carriage driver started the company about a year ago with the desire to bring something that, she says, is not only a special treat for all but very elegant as well.

"You don’t have to be physically capable," she said. "It can be scary riding horses. This is a way to be with a horse and still feel safe. There’s a nice connection. Anyone can do it."

Vierling gives carriage rides in Old Town Temecula during the holidays, the farmers’ market and Hot Summer Nights.

She also offers her services for wine tours and is available for special occasions such as weddings, proms and engagements.

With a royal trot and the wave of a wand, Cotton and the gang, which includes Vierling’s assistant Lindsey Higgins, the princess party of every little girl’s dream can come true.

Cotton’s mommy will also let anyone who is interested in a driving lesson sit up front.

Friday, Dec. 19, was chilly Advertisement

[ Berry-Bell and Hall Mortuary ] in Old Town and Vierling admitted it was a slow night for the carriage company compared to the usual long line that waits at Fourth and Front Street for a ride up and down the block.

However, a steady flow of families hopped on for a brief moment with each other to relax in good company.

Murrieta residents Alisa and John Sharon took a ride with their 10-year-old daughter Savannah after an early bird stop at their weekly hotspot, the Swing Inn.

"I usually come to Old Town to the hot rod meeting every Friday," said John.

The family didn’t seem to mind the cold and were grateful to be with each other for the holidays.

Also from Murrieta and coming from a visit to the Swing Inn, Sherri Moreno packed into the carriage with her six daughters.

"This is the first year we are staying home," she said.

Moreno’s family usually heads to Mammoth with snowy Christmas ski slope hope, but to spend less money this year they decided not to travel.

Despite Christmas woes, the Morenos’ spirits were still high, and they said the carriage ride was truly awesome.

Vierling is looking forward to the future of her carriage company, keeping busy with birthdays, and in February she is planning romantic rides for Valentine’s Day.

Weddings will start in the springtime and Higgins plans to take Cotton to local horseshows and to compete against other carriage horses in different events.

"We will be adding a new horse," Vierling said. "We will also have a party wagon so we can fit more people for different events… I hope to be in downtown Fallbrook more often as well."

For more information on the Temecula Carriage Company, which is licensed, insured and takes all precautions to be safe, visit www.temeculacarriageco.com or call (858) 205-9161.