OklahomaHorses Magazine November 2021

November/December 2021 • OklahomaHorses 13 Kathy said her business has steadily grown over the years, and she now works every weekend (barring inclement weather) and of- ten several days during the week as well. As far as the carriage rides go, she does a little bit of everything: weddings (Asian/Barrats, formal or informal), funerals, marriage proposals, quinceañeras, pa- rades, private and corporate parties, and holiday events. For some- thing more intimate, clients can book a private 30- to 50-minute ride at the couples’ ranch, complete with a view of downtown Tulsa on the return ride. Kathy has always been the main driver for Ava K’s, but after she had surgery recently, Paul and the couple’s son have stepped in to help drive the carriages more. Paul frequently helps out on the ground and with the care of the horses as well. Ava K’s also employs a groomsman (or woman), who helps with loading and unloading the horses at events, harnessing them up, taking photos for clients and anything else that might be needed. At weddings and most other occasions, the driver and attendants wear formal attire with top hats, and sometimes, they wear special costumes. But no matter what type of event they’re doing, Ava K’s strives to be professional and to give clients a first-class experience. “We do what we do because we love providing the experience for others,” Kathy said. “Every little girl that gets a princess ride to her birthday party or every newlywed bride that enters her wedding in a carriage, that’s something they’ll treasure forever.” The carriages Ava K’s has 13 carriages that it uses for different types of events or that can be selected by individual clients. Kathy noted that the vis-à-vis is probably the most requested carriage, especially at wed- dings, followed by the Cinderella carriage and either the caisson or hearse carriages used at funerals. Other carriages include a wagon- ette-style carriage that fits nine people and is ideal for group rides, another Cinderella pumpkin-shaped vis-à-vis and a sleigh that has been modified to be pulled over pavement. Both of the Cinderella carriages have lights, making them ideal for nighttime rides. The hearse and caisson are the newest additions to Kathy’s fleet. Due to the emotional impact, funerals weren’t something she was sure she could do at first, but she decided to give it a try. Kathy’s first funeral to experience as a carriage driver was that of an 18-month-old child, and she said it was such an honor to be involved in the ceremony. “It was really a turning point in my business,” Kathy said. “It’s such a unique and classy way to honor someone’s life. The horses Of course, without the horses, there would be no horse-drawn carriage rides and no Ava K’s. Kathy considers her three Percheron geldings not only to be family, but also the staple of her business. As such, they are a top priority for her and Paul. Both at 20 years old, Champ and Rocket have been with Ava K’s Kathy and Paul Ava K’s two Cinderella carriages