2009 Goshen Firemen's Parade

High wheel sulkies went the way of the Dodo Bird in 1892, making way for the smaller, more efficient and safer smaller-wheeled bicycle sulky. However, after Saturday’s Firemen’s Parade in downtown Goshen, New York, it appeared to onlookers that this cumbersome-looking vehicle may be making a comeback, or was it the ghost of drivers past?

Amateur driver George Casale, of the Brooklyn Cowboy Stable, driving Masters Light, a 7 year old Standardbred who had raced the previous night at Pocono Downs for the Mark Ford Stable, proudly trundled down Goshen’s Main Street, following in the hoof prints of the stars of the racetrack, the farmers and the swells of a century or more ago; George wearing the old-style driving jacket, doffing his cap and waving to onlookers and Masters Light basking in the limelight – it was better than the Winner’s Circle! They were followed by amateur driver Gerry Fielding of the Snowflake Stable, driving Up Front Todd, a never-raced but impeccably behaved 2-year-old. They were turned out in modern-style with the latest in race bikes, the quick hitch, and the safety helmet.

Completing the entourage were marshals Kelly Ford and John Capriotti of the Mark Ford Stable and banner’s identifying the Museum and the Horse Adoption Fair on October 17^th which were carried by Museum docents Jenah George and Leah Freeman. Bringing up the rear (aptly) was Hall of Fame Harry (volunteer Ryan Ulrich) who, with his docent friend and guide (because he couldn’t see where he was going) Cassie Graves, freely dispensed candies to everyone!

“Harness Racing Then & Now,” The Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame’s parade entry was a major crowd pleaser and obviously drew a nod from the parade judges who presented leader George Casale with a parade trophy.

Gerry Fielding


Cassie, one of our Museum docents, and our very own Hall of Fame Harry


The Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame


George Casale


George Casale holding the 2009 Parade Participant trophy