We are a family owned business.
A Universal Carriage is located on a small farm just West of London Ontario. Originally part of A Universal Limousine, the carriages and teams of the day were purchased by the current owner when the owner of the Limo business was looking to focus mainly on their motorized vehicle portfolio. Sharing a close name to the Limo company we served and marketed mainly through them for the first couple of years. This was a win-win relationship and to this day weddings including vehicles from both companies are always a blast.
In years after we continued to grow our networking with venues, and other wedding related clients and through our website. We have become known as the quality carriage service provider in Southern Ontario, serving a larger area than the car company. We developed a unique understanding of what it takes to support our clients needs during the time leading up to weddings and also what to focus on on the big day.
The one thing we are clear about - is that we are a service business first, and clearly understand that is what drives the quality of weddings. We are not "over-focused" on our horses, but rather the bride. Our specially trained staff have a clear understanding that while their equine expertise makes the day safe for all, the real value is in the quality of the experience of the customer.
A note from the Owner/Operator - Millar Nicol
I am the father of two great kids and family life is the most paramount thing to me. This is why I am so proud to have been included in the beginning of so many new families over the years of horse-carriage service. I hope you will find that I am honest, and really invested in your experience when you bring us on-board for your big day.
I have been around horses all my life, my parents had a standardbred racehorse named Dovers Star when I was a boy and I remember summers of grooming at the old barns at the racetrack in London.
Later I found myself growing up and eventually working at a small summer camp just outside of London called Circle R Ranch. Ironically being involved with the 50 head of horses wasn't my keen interest then - but this is the first place I learned to drive horses.
After I met my wife Sheri, I found myself back into standarbreds as her cousin's had a stable of horses. It is during that time I owned my first horse - Gayles Devil - and became a licensed trainer and eventually a driver or race horses.
It was my own stable of racehorses that then brought me to the 33 acres in Melbourne we now call home. Unfortunately, racehorses and families and a day-job don't fit into the number of hours that existing in a day.
With the end of my racing days - I stumbled across a loosely worded add in the horse trader that led me to Wayne Jolly and eventually starting A Universal Carriage with four teams and three carriages. During the early days we averaged close to 50 events a year and staffed 8-14 people.
Currently we are running two teams and two carriages - mainly because the cost of providing three trucks/trailers on a day is just too prohibitive.
I am also happy to say that my daughter is now old enough that she joins me on some events and I love that she gets to meet lots of folks and spend time with the old man.
I appreciate you reading my ramblings - and thank you for you consideration for including us in your big day and giving A Universal Carriage your business.
Millar and Family.
In years after we continued to grow our networking with venues, and other wedding related clients and through our website. We have become known as the quality carriage service provider in Southern Ontario, serving a larger area than the car company. We developed a unique understanding of what it takes to support our clients needs during the time leading up to weddings and also what to focus on on the big day.
The one thing we are clear about - is that we are a service business first, and clearly understand that is what drives the quality of weddings. We are not "over-focused" on our horses, but rather the bride. Our specially trained staff have a clear understanding that while their equine expertise makes the day safe for all, the real value is in the quality of the experience of the customer.
A note from the Owner/Operator - Millar Nicol
I am the father of two great kids and family life is the most paramount thing to me. This is why I am so proud to have been included in the beginning of so many new families over the years of horse-carriage service. I hope you will find that I am honest, and really invested in your experience when you bring us on-board for your big day.
I have been around horses all my life, my parents had a standardbred racehorse named Dovers Star when I was a boy and I remember summers of grooming at the old barns at the racetrack in London.
Later I found myself growing up and eventually working at a small summer camp just outside of London called Circle R Ranch. Ironically being involved with the 50 head of horses wasn't my keen interest then - but this is the first place I learned to drive horses.
After I met my wife Sheri, I found myself back into standarbreds as her cousin's had a stable of horses. It is during that time I owned my first horse - Gayles Devil - and became a licensed trainer and eventually a driver or race horses.
It was my own stable of racehorses that then brought me to the 33 acres in Melbourne we now call home. Unfortunately, racehorses and families and a day-job don't fit into the number of hours that existing in a day.
With the end of my racing days - I stumbled across a loosely worded add in the horse trader that led me to Wayne Jolly and eventually starting A Universal Carriage with four teams and three carriages. During the early days we averaged close to 50 events a year and staffed 8-14 people.
Currently we are running two teams and two carriages - mainly because the cost of providing three trucks/trailers on a day is just too prohibitive.
I am also happy to say that my daughter is now old enough that she joins me on some events and I love that she gets to meet lots of folks and spend time with the old man.
I appreciate you reading my ramblings - and thank you for you consideration for including us in your big day and giving A Universal Carriage your business.
Millar and Family.