| Author | Message | ||
     Ginny White Member Username: Ginnyw Post Number: 17 Registered: 01-2009 |
Interesting thread that i have been thinking of putting on Re 2 or 4 wheels, i only bought a 4 wheeler 7 years ago and when competeing indoors up to then saw mainly 2 wheelers, some like bigger versions of sulkies the drivers having a leg each side of the horse. The 4 wheeler is much more comfortable to drive and be passenger on but the issue is the weight we are expecting our ponies to pull. My Ibis weighs approx 175kg and i recently bought a Rene carriage mainly for less weight 130/140kg. At the indoor final i had an interesting chat with Natalie who was taking pictures she has 2 ponies one is only young and driven in a 2 wheeler she would like to get involved but had been miss informed that you have to have a 4 wheeler, i told her to go and have fun at her local venue in 2 wheels. I and my daughter are driving a 12-3 Sec A x cob in a 2 wheeler with backstep, he has been in a 4 wheeler during his breaking but with Norfolk dykes and the occassional ben hur moment i feel more happy in 2 wheels at the moment, also the question of weight must surely come in to the breaking in time, most adults weigh in excess of 8 stone, I rely on my husband coming out with me he is 14 stone 88kg I weigh 9stone 57kg and the 2 wheeler is approx 70kg, half the weight of a suitable 4 wheeler, we and 2 wheels adds up to 215kg, quite a lot, I was always told that driving was the difference of carrying a bale of hay or pushing it in a wheel barrow, and if the 2 wheeler is correctly balanced the pony has little weight in the tugs. I have been fascinated by comments as we drive this young pony, such 4 wheels would be easier, and he would bend easier in a 4 wheeler, and surely they should bend what ever they are in? not that Jack and i find it easy to bend something i have learnt a lot more about, however if Stan the new pony gives me as many years of sound fun as Jack has done i am prepared to take it slowly and consider the weight his young body is pulling. So Gillian have a go with your Bell crown, i started with one, and go to a few events and see what takes your fancy or what you can afford, loading in your trailer or lorry will also have some bearing as some shafts fold back and some don't and mine i have too take off not much hassle but extra time as you prepare to compete or load, be in no rush and you will find exactly what you need. | ||
| Gillian Booth Member Username: Gillb Post Number: 3 Registered: 04-2013 |
Thank you all for the great ideas. Kate I'm just back from two days at Biggar. Saw Reiver driving for the first time! Also had two fab lessons driving Jimmy again and loved it! I was talking to Andrew about the next couple of weeks and I think R is going to stay on for two weeks after G comes home so that I can get driving him, so thanks for the lift offer but we will prob have to bring him home in the trailer. I would really appreciate your help to find a suitable carriage though as you know more what you are looking at. I think pneumatic tyres will be the way to go for us and nothing too heavy. We'll see what comes up. Both R and G were happily grazing up the hill this morning when I left. | ||
| Kathleen Upsall Member Username: Katastrophy Post Number: 91 Registered: 10-2008 |
Hi Gillian! I check all the for sale sites- SCDA, NEDTL and dragon driving as well as the ones here... Bennington intros are few and far between but similar ones do come up- ill keep my eyes open for any I see and pass them on... Ps, Gunner is coming home on the 28th- do you want me to drop Reiver off on the way?! :D | ||
| Jane Wilson Member Username: Janewil Post Number: 44 Registered: 06-2007 |
We'd be delighted to see you at Escrick Gillian. You can find us on facebook at North Eastern Driving trials Ltd and if you messasge us there, we might also be able to put you in touch with other drivers in your area? Jane Wilson NEDTL | ||
| Jane Wilson Member Username: Janewil Post Number: 43 Registered: 06-2007 |
We'd be delighted to see you at Escrick Gillian. You can find us on facebook at North Eastern Driving Trials Ltd and if you message us there, we might also be able to put you in touch with other drivers from your area? Jane Wilson NEDTL. | ||
| Margaret Brockie Member Username: Margaretb Post Number: 14 Registered: 07-2007 |
Why don't you go to the North East Driving Trials Event at Escrick, near York on the 27/28th April where you will be able to see lots of vehicles and chat to owners who are all very friendly and helpful. | ||
| Maxine Ingham Member Username: Harvey Post Number: 36 Registered: 06-2008 |
Why don't you give Wilf Bowman-Ripley a call at Ashfields Carriage and Polo Club? The Ashfields Carriages shop carries a large selection of stock with both new and second hand vehicles available. Wilf, as a UKcc Level 3 coach will also be able to guide you on the right carriage to suit both you and your pony with excellent trial facilities should you require them. Carriage delivery is also available to your door!! His number if you wanted to give him a call is 07802 899004. Good luck! | ||
| Fiona Powell Member Username: Fionap Post Number: 219 Registered: 03-2007 |
Hi, Gillian, it depends what you want to do with him what type of carriage is most suitable for now and in the future. Pre-owned British made carriages tend to hold their value. It might be worth going along to your local horse driving trials club' next event or to a BDS meet, see what catches your eye - look for a pony that's similar to yours. Ask the driver about it... Look at www.mikewatts.com for photos - mostly driving trials pictures, but they could help with ideas. I use a carriage that weighs about 140 - 150 kgs (for 13-14 hand ponies) but a pleasure-driving carriage could be up to about 180kgs - fine if you are driving mostly on the road - and he's a well-built pony, I'm presuming. Weight is with shafts. Talk to the carriage suppliers - Rene Schoop, Fenix, Bennington, Hartland are all popular makes, as are many others. You can sometimes find the right carriage as a trade-in. You can learn a lot from a few conversations. A three-phase carriage means one that has a rear axle that will pull out to 138-140cms wide (from 125cms) so you can do dressage, cones and marathon phases in the same carriage, as well as pleasure drives and perhaps even pleasure driving show classes. Haunt Dragondriving, ebay, this site and Carriagelink to see what prices are being asked and learn a bit more about carriages. Phone your local club secretary - look on club websites, you might even get offered one on loan, if you are lucky. Most of us are very helpful! p.s. My personal tip is not to get a carriage with all the bells and whistles: keep it simple and there's less to go wrong. I hope we'll see you out and about soon. Good luck! | ||
| Gillian Booth Member Username: Gillb Post Number: 1 Registered: 04-2013 |
My pony is currently away being trained for driving and I am having lessons so exciting times. After discussions I think I need to buy a 4wheeler for him (he is a 14hh Highland pony)and he is being trained to one at present. I have only a very basic 2wheel Bellcrown from a previous pony and my first steps to driving. So what to get? We are only planning pleasure driving at present and I am thinking along the lines of a Bennington 4 wheel intro and looking second hand. Can anyone advise on other suitable types and where to look? I have been told that Polish can be heavy? Are solid tyres better or perhaps pneumatics? If I find a suitable vehicle what is the best way to get it home as it is unlikely to be just around the corner (we are in the NE) Thank you. I'm sure there will be many more questions to follow! |