Many of my readers have asked why Amish church members don't own cars but are willing to ride in them when they hire a non-Amish driver. The Amish believe that by owning a car they would be apt to travel more, which would take them from their homes and families and could disrupt their close family unit. I've ridden in several Amish buggies, and I find the leasurely pace and steady clip-clop of the horse's hooves to be very soothing. Have you ever wished you could travel by horse and buggy the way many of our ancestors did? Would you miss riding in a car or would you enjoy the slower pace?
Amish do have to travel long distance for weddings, funerals, Chiropractor visits, and i know if traveling long distance they like when a group can go because everyone pays a share where its not all on that one family. Also have to go into town every once in a while like Banking, grocery, hardware store.
That's right; they will often travel with others to share the expense. Sometimes the Amish have no choice but to hire a driver to take them on longer trips and into town for shopping, appts., etc. Ten to fifteen miles is usually as far as will go they by horse and buggy.
I know that the Amish have cetain days when they go to certain places, too. Fridays seem to be shopping days. I know they travel sometimes in groups over the weekend to places farther away. like Ohio from here in New York.
I, for one, would love to be able to go back in time and ride in a buggy places! Also also in a sleigh! Don't think nowadays it is very practical, though.
We've had lots of buggy rides with our Amish friends, and except for the cars on the road, I've always found it to be very relaxing. One time, on our way to Amish church, we were riding in one of our Amish friend's buggies and only saw a few cars. As we got closer to the home hosting the service there was a line of Amish buggies in front of us. It was awesome to hear the steady clip-clop of so many horses as we made our way down the street.
The buggies themselves vary in style from region to region, as well. Our buggies here are black, not gray. Courting buggies have no tops. There is one family that hooks up their miniature horse to a teeny-tiny wooden cart that the children use to get back and forth from the general store (although they probably would never venture to use this on a "main" road.).
well I think it would be so relaxing to travel in a horse and buggy, although it would take longer just to go at a slower pace and enjoy the surroundings would be worth it.
We actually have met a young amish couple in Holmes Co. and have visited them a few times. The last time we went to Der Dutchman Restaurant in our car. They rarely get to go there they said as it is quite a distance from their home. I found it interesting as they looked out the window the entire time while talking and seemed to take it all in. So it is nice they can ride in an automobile also.
I'm not so sure I would be ale to ride in a buggy brawn by a hore but it would be fun to try at least once. Summer would be to hot for me and winter would be too cold.
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