| Author | Message | ||
     Fiona Powell Member Username: Fionap Post Number: 6 Registered: 03-2007 |
I found this clip of the saddle chariot: a demonstration of the sudden stop and instant unhitch. I don't know what the rules say about hitting the horse with your hat? Also, this is a fine dismounting method if your horse is one that stops - but rather more exciting when it isn't... Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bS6IeJ5UnA | ||
| Pru Wynne-Evans Member Username: Pru_wynneevans Post Number: 2 Registered: 01-2011 |
Hi Belinda, I looked at these to excersise my dogs whilst waiting for my hip replacements! Look at youtube "Jim Walsh and Tom, driving duo" it probably won't help but must be very light for this dog to go so well, not sure I would want to be behind a pony on one though. If he started to kick you would be defenceless. Pru | ||
| Fiona Powell Member Username: Fionap Post Number: 5 Registered: 03-2007 |
Hello, Belinda - I have not used a saddle chariot myself but the inventor, Simon Mulholland, competed in our local indoor events several years ago - and was welcomed! After trying to visualise (on the phone) his "chariot" (er, Romans, Ben Hur, etc.), we accepted his entry on the understanding that he'd drive without a groom on the carriage because it couldn't carry a groom (which was not allowed then, even for small ponies). I had some concerns, as did others: I am fairly traditional in approach and, as an event organiser, I do not want anyone driving anything to run amok or tip up and any new competitor with an (as far as we knew) untried vehicle might be an extra risk - no slur intended! There is nothing between you and the horse to stop it bucking or kicking you. There was no back on the tractor-style seat of the model I saw - you could just tip out backwards or sideways (in theory...). The harness was made of old car seat-belts and did not, I have to admit, inspire confidence. It didn't look very comfortable because one is standing up, virtually - but that's not a safety issue. I am sure someone with personal experience would be prepared to put me (us) straight - I'm a BOF who runs events so I have to err on the side of boring old safety so please excuse my stuffiness. Whenever someone comes to me and asks about a carriage, I ask "what do you want to do?" If the saddlechariot matches what you want it for, and your horse/pony likes it too, then it's the perfect carriage for you. If, however, you wish to compete in indoor driving trials, it might not take you to the top of the tree - but you could have fun trying. Ask your local drive or event organiser what they think of it, if that's appropriate. p.s. Some insurers will not touch unusual carriages - I suggest that you contact your insurance broker and perhaps, the BDS/BHDTA(?) to check what you can get cover for if you plan to go out on the road or in public places. p.p.s. If it's such a good idea, why didn't our esteemed and extremely clever ancestors invent it? Ho, hum, what about the dorsal hitch sulky, originally designed for large dogs... Where are you? If you want to meet or have a chat about anything to do with (small ponies?) any kind of carriage, please post again - we are here to help (honestly!)  See www.rjwalsh.com.au for more pics: Edward Lyons imports them to the UK for dogs and small ponies, minisulkyuk@yahoo.com I am not endorsing this: it'll be covered in more detail in March's Inharness magazine! | ||
| Belinda Clark Member Username: Troublesbrewin Post Number: 3 Registered: 01-2011 |
Hi, I'm Belinda and have just joined the forum, I just wondered if anyone had used a saddle chariot please, thanks |