Approximatley 12 weeks later Bingo successfully completed his schooling he was eager and ready to work. We spent several hours driving on roadways, participating in special events, parades, private parties, romantic evening at the farm and elegant and formal fundraiser's such as Tuscan on the Sunset, Lilies by the Lake an annual Stewart's Caring Place Event.

The more I worked with Bingo the more I noticed that he really enjoyed driving. He listens for every command..

In the spring of 2009 we participated in the 41st Annual Prix De Ville's held at Lake Erie College Equestrian Center, during their building and dedication ceremonies.

After Bingo convinced me he was very smart, adored children and had unsurpassed ground manners, I decided to share this new found enjoyment with others. I was well on my way in starting Hitch-in-Time when I met Larry Smith, who introduced me to carriages. Larry's knowledge of carriages fascinated me. He not only knew carriages, he also shared in detail the way of life in the carriage era.

I wanted Hitch-in-Time to reenact a time when carriages were the main source of transportation. Larry taught me so much and is a very important part of how Hitch-in-Time operates. He continues to be my mentor and Bingo's driver when we're on the road.

Larry has his own museum of carriages along with a collection of authentic lanterns, shaft bells, lap robes, harnesses and carriage memorabilia. He also drives a pair of Morgan's, Dick and Dock. He has also won many driving competitions with his Standard Bred named Beannie.

Larry got me involved in the Western Reserve Carriage Association (WRCA), a diverse group of people with a common interest...the love of driving equine powered vehicles. I attend drives through-out the State of Ohio from March through November. Check out our photo album.

I am committed to promote the Humane Welfare of Carriage Animals. For those who think negative about carriage horses and how mistreated these horses are, Bingo lives better than most people. He retires daily to an immaculate barn, he roams a 65 acre pasture, he eats the best food and hay, and his stall is cleaned daily and has a full time groom.

Hitch-in-Time is a perfect way to share my love of Bingo and carriage driving with my customers. When I book for an engagement, suddenly I'm in “Business of Love!" My lovebirds enjoy the beautiful Merestead gardens, an elegant carriage, soft romantic music, a magnificent horse, an unforgettable memory!

I design and make all my carriage driving attire, from my elegant hats to one of a kind Victorian costumes.

They say horses are excellent theraphy to help one heal, after several heart breaks and personal family tragedies, I believe God gives us what we need, he gave me 2 things, Bingo and Merestead.

At a young age of 16, Joe Alan Yoder, Middlefield, Ohio started working with DMBingo, a 2 year old gelding. Joe Alan is pictured with Monty Roberts, "a man who listens to horses". Joe studied Monty's techniques and training methods, as a result, DMBingo's gentle spirit has never been broken by cruel and unnecessary training techniques. Joe Alan has been called a local horse whisperer. When DMBingo finished his schooling, I asked Joe to teach me how to drive, he responded and said; "just sit in the carriage and let Bingo show you what he's learned". I found he was ready and eager to work, he knew left from right, and stopped when he saw a stop sign with little effort. I soon realized Bingo was one of a kind. We communicate and work as a team. My friend Dave Antes says; "Bingo takes real good care of you". I can't explain it any better than that! Today, when DMBingo see's small children or adults walking towards the carriage he will stop until they pass,. he waits for his cue and then will proceed. One more thing, he loves the camera and will even pose for the occasion. In November of 2007, the Ohio Farm and Diary ran a feature story on Joe Alan. Click Here to read the full story. Joe Alan still continues to train horses and can be reached at 440-537-6872.

Joe Alan Yoder (left) with Monty Roberts

	Invite us to your next party and be the talk of the neighborhood! Surprise your guests as they experience a relaxing and memorable Hitch-in-Time carriage ride.

DMBingo is his registered name, but everyone refers to him as Bingo. He is a 5 year old North American Spotted Draft. Spotted drafts can be found throughout history, and were used as war horses in medieval times. There was a black and white draft in Queen Elizabeth's Court, believed to be a Drum Horse

Spotted horses also share a long history in the United States. Bingo will continue to grow until he is around 6 years old, at 16.3" DMBingo weighs over 1900 lbs. a"Gentle Giant."

Bingo has a splendid disposition and an easy temperament. He exhibits a ready willingness to work and has great endurance a known as "heart," which is well known. Spotted Draft horses are used for agricultural work, pleasure driving, parades, commercial carriages, showing, logging and riding.

He is also trained to be a riding horse. I am a member of the Cuyahoga County Council of the Ohio Horseman's Council an organization dedicated to preserving the riding trails in all the beautiful area Metroparks.

Bingo loves both adults and children and works well in social events. He demonstrates total respect for all.

I tell everyone...."All I pay my psychiatrist is the cost of feed and hay, and he'll listen to me all day".

Whoa, Meet my Therapist!

Merestead Farms is located on 619 near Portage Lakes, It's a 220 acre working farm owned by John and Lee Beese. Merestead Farms, once called Forest Farm, has an original patent signed by President James Monroe. Old English for "Farm Land" Merestead Farms was patented in 1814. The farmhouse itself was built in 1858, the barn 14 years prior. The barn was rebuilt in 1980 following a devastating fire.

John Beese's great grandfather, John, was involved in managing Lakeview #2 coal mind. It operated from 1879-1897 delivering coal to Akron via the Valley Railroad which had a spur right to the farm.

John's grandfather purchased the farm in the early 1900's and the generations have continued to board horses and farm approximately 600 acres of land.

In the 1980's John and Lee Beese were one of fewer than 25 Ohio breeders registered with the American Murray Gray Cattle. They have 4 retired Murray Greys living at Merestead. Merestead continues to be a working farm with their son Mathew Beese farming the farm plus over 700 acres in the immediate area.

The gardens are breathtaking and manicured by no other than the master gardener herself Lee Beese. Lee's magnificent flower gardens are one of my favorite places to stop the carriage for those "Surprise Engagements". I will always have a bottle of champagne awaiting with complimentary crystal glasses in a special location in the garden. It's my way of saying; "Congratulations"!

Known for its rolling hills and breathtaking beauty, Merestead Farms is magnificent place for Hitch-in-Time to operate. Bingo's caretaker makes sure Bingo has everything he needs. As the alpha male he enjoys his 65 acre pasture that allows him plenty of room to keep in shape and watch over the herd.

Your recipient(s) will begin at Merestead Stable and travel down "Memory Lane" to Merestead Forest. This old-fashioned, horse-drawn carriage ride will be approximately 25-minutes. Carriage holds 3 adults or 2 adults and one child. Advanced reservations only. For Gift Certificate or Special Request please call 330-801-9500.

Guests will be allowed to bring their own beverages on board. Consider a gift certificate today, it's a unique way to show how much you care.

When was the last time you spent some real romantic time with that someone special? Now's your chance to enjoy a 1.5 hour carriage ride. Relax as you sit back and listen to the sounds of yesterday. Peaceful and relaxing ride in a very comfortable 2 seated Surrey of yesterday. You will start at Merestead Farms and travel down towards Mere stead's forest and arrive at a private neighborhood where you will enjoy a late night carriage ride, with the carriage lanterns glowing. Soft music is available for your enjoyment if you wish. You may bring your favorite beverage on board. This is truly a magnificent adventure. Got a wedding anniversary coming up! Surprise engagement? . Reserve now! 330-801-9500

Romantic Evening Carriage Rides

How about that marriage proposal guys! Surprise that someone special!

Winter of 2010 we be offering sleigh rides in our new 2 seated sleigh. Sleigh will hold 3 people. . Enjoy winter at Merestead! (terms and conditions )

Hi, My name is Babs Uhl, and my company is " A Look Back Entertainment"

We perform Vintage music from many different time periods including:

Renaissance, Pioneer, Civil War, Victorian,  Titianic Era, 1920's,

Big Band, 1940's Jazz, and Ballads of the 50's and 60's.

Our elegant music creates a wonderful atmosphere at Weddings, Banquets, Openhouses, Festivals,and Restaurants,  Church groups, and Fundraisers.

. Some of the places we have performed are: Tangiers, The Galaxy, Stan Hywet,  Hower House Mansion, Carlisle Inn, Inn at HoneyRun, Women's City Club, Akron Zoo, Wooster Historical Soc, Brunswick Old Fashioned Days, Red Door Antiques. Apropo's Gifts, Carolsel of Crafts Medina Fair grounds, Carriage Festival at Hale farm, Copley Antique Mall, Rutherford B Hayes mansion, and more...

FOR YOUR FREE VIDEO PERFORMANCE DVD, or Booking info

Call 330-807-6577