| Author | Message | ||
     Duncan Seth-Smith |
Here is my bit. I started with my own outfit 3 years ago, 13hh chunky cross new forest x fell. First we had a 2 wheeler then went to the 4 wheel option. I am on my 3rd 4 wheeler and have eventually found the right combination at a huge cost. I now have a bennington BX4 at 135kg which I find superb, but Bennington have just launched a light weight version which may be even better. The moral of the story is try to drive a variety of makes and models from friends within your club, or test drive models available from Bennington, Hartland, Fenix etc , it may cost more for your first carriage but it will save you money in the long run.Beleive me I've learnt the expensive way. Duncan | ||
| Jo Foster |
Fiona and Colin, thank you very much for the advice Jo | ||
| Colin Whitear |
Hi Jo, I am reasonably new to hdt and had to start with a two wheeler due to cost. When my pony is asked to turn tight then he not only has to turn the cart but he also has to deal with any weight associated with having two people on it as well as any interia trying to push the cart forward. He quite often nearly comes to a stand still trying to cope with it. I have this weekend bought a four wheeler and what a difference, firstly the stability and comfort level for me is much better, and I have brakes too, but I can already see a big improvement in his mobility in the turn and as he now only has to turn the front axle the speed in the turn is greatly improved so for me this is a no brainer. Yes you may have to put in some work becuase the 4 wheeler is heavier and more noisy but its well worth it. | ||
| Fiona Powell |
Jo, I thought you'd be inundated with advice! Anyway, here's my 2p-worth. If he's driving already, I'd ask the owners what they use as, if he's not used to a four-wheeler, it's good idea to carry on with a two-wheeler, especially while you get to know him (IMHO, I'm just a driver, not a trainer!). You might be lucky enough to be able to borrow a two-wheeler for a few weeks, then decide? There are very few horses and ponies who bend really well when driven and I'd think that a two-wheeler's fine for indoors and out - see Caroline De Rienzo, who did well regularly indoors at Wix, pictured (now she has a four-wheeler...) If you do prefer a four-wheeler, watch the weight - I use a carriage that's around 140kgs for 13-14 hand ponies and this doesn't slow my little dears down. For outdoors it needs to be 90kgs or more. Hope this helps a bit?  | ||
| Jo Foster |
We are hoping to buy a 13.2hh trotter/hackney cross with a view to doing indoor events (and hopefully outdoor in due course). We are not sure at this stage how good he is at bending and are expecting to have to work on this. Does anyone have any advice on whether having a four wheeled vehicle would help him at all in this, or would a two wheeler be sufficient Many thanks |