“Chester” - Hotel Cheval’s Belgian Draft Horse
Trading a quaint life in Amish country for California’s Central Coast,
Chester, Hotel Cheval’s Belgian draft horse, is fast becoming one of Paso
Robles most recognized celebrities. Born in March 2001, Chester has taken
an early retirement from working the fields of Big Prairie, Ohio to settle into
Paso Robles as Hotel Cheval’s equine mascot offering guests complimentary
carriage rides to restaurants around the city park on Friday
and Saturday evenings.
For over six years, Chester worked for farmer Eli Yoders on his 260-acre farm pulling equipment including a sulkey plow, disc, corn planter, corn binder and hay mover. Originally trained to pull wagons to and from town for supplies, Chester is now at the helm of a vintage vis a vis carriage, appropriately named for seating two couples facing each other. Purchased by Robert and Sherry Gilson from an aging rancher on the coast in Cayucos, the carriage was restored and revitalized with brown ultra-suede seat covers, running lights, signage and brakes. At Chester’s side is his driver, Tommy Harris, from Harris Stage Lines in Paso Robles.
A stunning display of his breed, Chester exemplifies the Red Belgian draft horse with his blonde mane, tail, and white blaze. His size, 18 hands tall and over 2000 pounds, makes him ideal for pulling carriages and other equipment.
When he is not escorting guests of Hotel Cheval to dinner, Chester spends much of his time at his new home, Harris Stage Lines. He eats 60 pounds of hay and two gallons of rolled oats per day. His favorite indulgences are aged corn cobs – reminiscent of his days in Amish country - and being groomed by Cactus, age 19, son of Tommy and Debby Harris of Harris Stage Lines. Chester’s physical workout regime includes pulling horse drawn equipment and wagons for Harris Stage Lines – keeping him in shape and prime physique for Hotel Cheval guests.
