| Author | Message | ||
     Lindsay Spalding Member Username: Lvspalding Post Number: 26 Registered: 03-2013 |
Great Pic! I think they are all fair comments. I'm new to driving so I have no idea about rules etc but understand safety is very important. You wouldn't need a back to the seat as your held on very sucurely by the supports at the front. My pony never kicks and I wouldn't personally be happy driving a pony that did kick in the SC. However Jack has had a bucking fit in it and his hooves were no where near me. The newer model is on 3 wheels and has a kicking board so I'm guessing they have listened to comments and modified. At the end of the day it is what it is and never will be everyone's cup of tea. I canter about in it and have a lot of fun with Jack, it's when we go in a standard turnout it all goes wrong!!!! As long as my pony is happy and I feel safe then that's all that matters.  | ||
| Fiona Powell Member Username: Fionap Post Number: 354 Registered: 03-2007 |
Hi, Lindsay, I think almost all clubs would insist you had a groom on the carriage for outdoor events - indoors the area where you might go to is smaller, obviously! One of the safety officer's concerns was that there is no back on the seat and also that there was nothing on the one we saw to stop the pony kicking the driver. I would be interested in your and other people's feedback!  A picture of the saddle chariot in use. | ||
| Lindsay Spalding Member Username: Lvspalding Post Number: 25 Registered: 03-2013 |
That's very interesting, my pony is 10.2hh so we would be ok on that aspect. I'Ve never measured it but I can drive through tiny gaps with it so it won't be 125cms haha. I canter along tracks in it with no trouble but have never tried cones at speed, might have to test that out. I know it's noisy at speed for sure and it's not compatible with standard harness due to its quick release mechanism. Would I be welcome at club events with it? I'm very happy to let people try it out, it looks bonkers but is really really good fun and very safe. | ||
| Fiona Powell Member Username: Fionap Post Number: 353 Registered: 03-2007 |
p.s. It needs to be 125cms minimum measured from the outside of the track for indoor driving qualifiers but not essential for club class, if there is one. | ||
| Fiona Powell Member Username: Fionap Post Number: 352 Registered: 03-2007 |
Ha! We let Simon compete with a Saddlechariot hors concours because then they was no small pony/driver only class. It's not a vehicle I would recommend - but I have never seen it driven fast nor with conventional harness. If your pony is 11hh or under you could, in theory, use it for indoor competitions, if the organiser is happy that it's safe. | ||
| Lindsay Spalding Member Username: Lvspalding Post Number: 24 Registered: 03-2013 |
Thanks Fiona that's great! So you can compete with a SaddleChariot?? I assumed not as they are for one person and not very wide etc. my pony goes great in it with no problems at all. I really need to be able to send him away to be re broken so I'm confident he's ok. I'm having lessons with Minta and her pony to boost my confidence until then. | ||
| Fiona Powell Member Username: Fionap Post Number: 351 Registered: 03-2007 |
Hi, Lindsay, the inventor of the Saddlechariot used to drive at our indoor driving competitions so I have seen one in action in the past. Getting professional help with your pony at this early stage is a good idea! Minta Winn is based at Ashfields, Sue Mart at Bennington, Mike Daniell is near Woodbridge, Claire Bourne is near Newmarket, to name just a few trainers in East Anglia whom I can personally recommend. See the BC web site for contact details and more names. Please let us know how you progress? Best of luck! Fiona | ||
| Lindsay Spalding Member Username: Lvspalding Post Number: 23 Registered: 03-2013 |
Hi all, Can anybody recommend a trainer to help re-break/school my Shetland pony? Previously a scurry pony and pair driven but now owned by a novice driver. Driving well in a Saddlechariot but have had problems with jibbing and rearing when put to a standard turnout. Has had everything checked and it seems to be a behavioural problem rather then physical pain etc. Any help, advice, support much appreciated as getting increasingly frustrated!! |