| Author | Message | ||
     Jane Wilson Member Username: Janewil Post Number: 20 Registered: 06-2007 |
Hi Deilina, If you check out www.horseandcountry.tv you will be able to scroll through their video section and watch a programme about last year's indoor driving chamnpionship. It was brilliant fun and it seems to me that an indoor series would be a great idea for a country which is often quite cold! | ||
| Deilina Bishop Member Username: Little_di Post Number: 2 Registered: 06-2011 |
Thank you all for sharing your opinions and great advice. Some of the makes mentioned I have read up on earlier. I am eager to get as much info., as possible before purchasing. I am a Brit. but I am based in Finland and carriage driving over here is done mainly with horses. It is a growing sport and I have been lucky to be in the right place at the right time, as far as getting started. Indoor competitive driving is not done, but I am encouraging the locals to take a look at what goes on in the UK. Exporting from the UK may end up being very expensive, but I shall have to make enquiries. We have a fantastic Polish coach, Piotr Mazurek, were we train. He drives four in hand, but was impressed last w/end with our little Welsh B mare. She is by no means as fit as a flea yet but I am gradually building both her and myself up! I will let you know what I eventually decide upon. Thanks again, Deilina | ||
| Fiona Powell Member Username: Fionap Post Number: 92 Registered: 03-2007 |
Yes, I agree with Mike and Martin's points, too! I see some single ponies which are not fit enough so they struggle with the heavier carriages (such as on the outdoor marathon), especially if the carriage is not well-balanced and is not a purpose-built three-phase vehicle. (Mike and Martin's ponies are fit as fleas!) | ||
| Mike Hodgson Member Username: Mikehodgson Post Number: 4 Registered: 07-2008 |
lightness isn't everything, and a lot depends on what suits your pony, i drive a 13.3 welsh sec c and the carriage is a rene schoop about 160kg which I personally wouldn't go any light, and would even go slightly heavier. some ponies need a bit of weight behind then and some need a light carriage, it just depends on the pony. but you need to remember the lighter the carriage is the easier it will bends when you hit things. | ||
| Martin Yemm Member Username: Martiny Post Number: 2 Registered: 06-2009 |
Hello Deilina. We drive 12.2 and 13.2 ponies. I agree with Fiona about how important the weight of a carriage is, however I believe its equally important to check how easily the carriage rolls along. You can do this very easily by taking hold of the shafts of different cariages and pulling them along yourself. Carriages do vary and if you can pull it easily then so can your pony. We all have our favourites and you need to try some out to find your own favourite. Don't be afraid to ask a manufacturer/supplier if you can take your pony along to try their carriage. Enjoy your search. | ||
| Fiona Powell Member Username: Fionap Post Number: 91 Registered: 03-2007 |
Deilina, there are many popular makes used by ponies in our area. Personally, I think for many singles it's the weight that's the problem. (Carriages are bought as "single and pair" and these are often far too heavy for a smaller single pony.) I drive 13-hand ponies, too (the perfect size!) and they have no problems indoors or out with my single Fenix Flyer, about 140kgs and very well balanced. Bennington have the Spirit, which is also popular, at about 125kgs. Other makes which are well liked include Rene Schoop, WBR Carriages, Hartland. Sycamore Fabrications are excellent for lightweight Shetland/small pony vehicles, too. Do let us know what you decide on! Lots of pics so you can see for yourself, indoors and out, www.mikewatts.com See Liz Harcombe's 12.3 pony at the National Championships - with a three-phase Rene Schoop http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utdnIszMo0E&list=UUM3SoyByOOCgQ9eB-tktUcA&index=7 &feature=plcp | ||
| Deilina Bishop Member Username: Little_di Post Number: 1 Registered: 06-2011 |
I am interested to find out what carriages are popular for ponies of this size. I have groomed for drivers using Tideholm (Swedish) , ECC and other Polish made carriages. However, they were all used with horses. |