Meet Our Team of Professional Carriage Drivers and Mules!
Each of our mules are cherished, loved, and respected. Those who work with animals can understand how impressed we are day to day with the intelligence of our four-legged partners.
Meet Our Team
The Mule-Drawn Carriage Difference: An Experience, Not Just a Tour
Charles & Big Freedia xx
Charles & Big Freedia
Charles started as a carriage driver over 20 years ago. You can find him on day shift with his mule Big Freedia. She’s a big girl but don’t let size fool you. She’s a total cuddle bug. In fact, she’s one of the sweetest mules in the barn.
"It was a lovely tour. Our guide was Charles and he was very informative. I loved seeing the buildings and learning the history of such a beautiful city !! Thank you !!" -Trip Advisor gammy132021
Shannon and Josie xx
Shannon and Josie
Shannon grew up along the Mississippi Coast. A historian specializing in the colonial Gulf Coast. Josie comes from Amish country and is loving city life. Come see the dynamic duo on night shift.
"The tour was great! Shannon and Josie make a great team. Shannon was very knowledgeable and gave a lot of historical facts about the city that he obviously loves! He answered questionable comments and queries by some of the tourists professionally and with a little wry humor. Overall, an enjoyable hour tour that covered a lot of area we would not have seen on our own. Thanks, Shannon!" Trip Advisor- lolliearls
Steff and Ivan xx
Steff and Ivan
Steff earned his BS in Equine Business from Delaware Valley University. He also has the bragging right of driving a carriage in two different cities! Steff favorite mule in the entire world is Ivan. We even have an "Adventures of Ivan" series on Facebook and TikTok. Ivan was formally Amish hails from Upstate New York. Ivan is loving New Orleans.
"It was a wonderful tour. We had a 14 and 16 year old boy plus four adults and we all loved it. Steff was our guide and he was hilarious and informative. Ivan was our mule and a big part of the adventure! They treat the animals well. Definitely recommend!!! We had a carriage for just our family. We saw so much more than the walking tours, which were crowded, and people didn’t look very happy. This is definitely worth the extra money." BARB
Marty and Benson xx
Marty and Benson
Marty fell in love with the Crescent City on his first visit in the '70's. While working on the Delta Queen he received drum lessons that took him around the world for decades. 10 years ago Marty knew he was missing something. That something was New Orleans. Marty specializes in Jazz and music history and his tours will ensure you take the culture of New Orleans with you. Benson, his mule, is a lovable charmer. A cool guy and a cool mule. What more can you ask for? Come see this pair on Day shift
"We learned a long time ago that a carriage ride was s great way to get a quick overview of an historic city, such as Charleston, Savannah, and NOLA. Our driver, Marty, was very friendly and informative, and communicated his love for the things that make New Orleans special. We only had one day in NOLA and this was the perfect way to start it."-Cynthia C
Sarah and Lou xx
Sarah and Lou
Sarah is one of the craftiest team members at Royal Carriages. She loves making decorations for Lou and changes them out every season. Sarah loves to cook and has quite the sweet tooth. Sarah specializes in true crime stories and epidemics in the state. Lou is often decorated and loves to have glitter hooves. Check out this pair on night shift.
"We reserved the private carriage ride for four. Our guide Sarah did an excellent job sharing the haunted history of New Orleans with us. I am a bit of a history buff and our family is interested in hauntings/legends and she answered all of our questions and seemed more than happy to converse with us about other areas of New Orleans history and promininent figures and events from the past. Sarah stopped at various places on interest on the tour and did not try to hurry us at all as we asked her various questions. We are already planning a return trip to New Orleans with other family members and will definitely be booking another carriage ride." -jebarrettauthor
Emily & Cloudy xx
Emily & Cloudy
Emily has the distinction of being the fourth member of her family to drive a carriage. Having studied environmental science, Emily loves that she’s driving the original hybrid. Cloudy was named by the owner's daughter when she in preschool.
"Cloudy the mule was in wonderful condition and her caretaker, Emily, was excellent with her. Emily explained that the mules only work for 2 months at a time and then take a hiatus on a farm for a month or so before they come back to work. After taking a good look at Cloudy and seeing that she was well groomed, cared for and healthy we agreed to the tour. Emily was great and shared lots of unique bits of knowledge regarding the French Quarter. It was a lovely way to spend a short time of our visit. Cloudy is very smart and practically leads the tour without guidance from Emily!" - Stephanie of Philadelphia, PA on TripAdvisor.com
Glenn and Beignet xx
Glenn and Beignet
Glenn is a true Renaissance Man. A former lawyer, accountant, and college professor. Glenn has deep roots tying him to New Orleans. A proud 5th generation New Orleanian, he enjoys keeping up his education on the city. When he's not adding letters to the end of his name, Glenn is at one our the city's live performance venues. Plus he often drives the wedding carriage for couple's special day. Beignet his mule is as sweet as her name suggests. One our our tallest mules, this tag team can been seen on day shift.
"Our family of 5 from southeast Alabama took the 4/1/23 7:30pm History and Haunts Carriage Tour and it was so much fun. Our guide was Glenn and I believe our mule's name was Beignet. They were both great! Glenn was fantastic - he really had the right amount of knowledge, the perfect demeanor and personality for this tour. He was so helpful and informative, and was GREAT with young kids and encouraging of their questions and curiosity. I really can't say enough great things about Glenn. He was superb! Had an amazing evening!" -John H.
Lofton and Paul xx
Lofton and Paul
Rich Lofton aka "Lofton" is a Louisiana native, hailing from Lafayette in Cajun Country. He is also one of our many veterans, serving in the Navy. Rich can be found on day shift with his mule Paul. Paul may be shorter than other mules but he is one our our strongest. Adoring a bit of carrot at the end of shift.
"Rich was amazing. I requested another person but was so glad we got Rich. He gave my wife and i everything we could have asked for. It was worth the experience and will always refer passengers to your fourth-generation company and to Rich! Thank you all for a great SERVICE EXPERIENCE in all areas. Booking, notifications, actual tour, and follow up!" -lacycross
Matt Byrd and Miss Kentucky xx
Matt Byrd and Miss Kentucky
Matt loves animals, has many of his own, and studied Animal Science at Louisiana State University. Matt's favorite thing is playing the banjo for the mules. No mule loves the banjo picking player than Miss Kentucky. As her name suggests she's from the Bluegrass State. She's one of our tallest and loving mules. Always up for a hug, but unaware of how massive her head is. She's sure to give a workout with her hugs. Check out this dynamic pair on night shift.
Miss Kentucky is a TikTok sensation. Find us @neworleanscarriages
"My husband and I went on the 10:30pm tour. It was so informative and just spooky enough but not scary, very enjoyable. Matt and Miss Kentucky did a wonderful job." -Jay Jill
Latest Royal News
Royal Carriages Introduces Mules and the Marigny Walking Tour
May 11, 2024 - Royal Carriages is proud to offer an exclusive behind the scenes look at the oldest stable and carriage company in New Orleans. Guests will have an unique opportunity to meet our mules up close....read more
My husband and I took a 1/2 hour tour of the French Quarter during the day with Jonathan and his mule Queenie - Jonathan was very knowledgeable and funny and Queenie did an excellent job of navigating the narrow streets of the French Quarter. We did a group tour with 2 other couples who we did not know, but that made it even more interesting and fun. It was great to learn a little more about the interesting history and architecture of New Orleans and a fun way to see more of the city than we could have seen on foot. We booked our tour through Royal Carriages sales manager, Kimmie, who could not have been nicer or more kind and accommodating! Thank you all so much for a great experience! New Orleans, in general, is a really fun town with super friendly people who just want to make sure you have a good time! We'll be back!
TripAdvisor Member: Siobhan J of Commerce Township, Michigan, USA