A Quick Driving Question

[Horseyheaven]

Could one of the driving Enthusiasts be kind enough to tell me what size shafts etc, on a 2 wheeler excersize cart I'd require for a 14'3 cob?

thank you
Kelly and Montana

[Esther.D]

It really depends on the build of the cob...you really need to measure the width from the width of the cob..and work out the height from the height of its tugs when harnessed up. Sorry not to be more specific but it tends to vary from horse to horse. Someone else might be able to give you a more specific example..

[Horseyheaven]

in light of what 'Esther D' has just said how shall I go about getting a 2 wheeler gig for my cob? By this I mean Should I sort out his driving harness, take measurements first then look for his cart?

His width is 38 inches so I presume there's a certain minumn clearance required between the horse and cart?

Most 2 wheelers ive seen up for sale pruely state that they are suitable (for example) 14'2 + and the majority of the adverts dont give measurments?

Obviously Im all new to this... a complete trap fitting beginer!! :D

[Esther.D]

To be honest anything that says it will fit a 14.2hh will probably fit him, but if you know his width then when you go to see a carriage take a tape measure (they don't usually state measurements in the advert..and the seller will probably not know them) and then you can check you will have enough clearance each side to get him in and out without touching his sides. His height at the tugs is less important as if the vehicle has been used on something the same height as him then it will probably fit. You will also need to know his length so that you can check the shafts are not too long/short (particularly if he is noticably longer/shorter bodied than average). These are just extra checks to make sure it will be ok, you can buy without but this makes certain you won't get home and be disappointed by discovering that it is too narrow for him to fit in the shafts etc:)

Good Luck:D

[Zingy]

Is there the same problem if you get ones where you can move the shafts? When I got the trap for Benj I was told I could twist them round a bit to cope with him being a fatty as they're shaped so you can increase the width to a certain extent. Presumably there is a limit to how much they can be adjusted without throwing other things out though?

[Horseyheaven]

thanks for the help!!!:)

kelly x

[jinglejoys]

http://www.saddlechariot.com/
Have a look at this if youre just planning to have fun!

[Laetitia]

The saddlechariot looks good fun. I wouldn't take it on the road though, there's no room for a groom.
Shafts to fit cob. Phone up one of the carriage builders and they could probably help you. L

[Wally]

Measure him from the point of his shoulder to the point of his hocks, you'll know then you need to add about another 12 inches to allow for movement.

It's more important where the tug stop is, if it's too far forward it'll have him working too far from the vehcle , if it's too far back he'll be too close.

It is usually an easy job to move the tug stop, unless it is welded on, even then it's a short job for a man with an angle grinder and a welder!;)

[Chip]

I've got one of those saddlechariots and I use it on the road. They are amazingly safe vehicles and great fun. a true 'exercise' vehicle.

[Esther.D]

Bear in mind that it is not recommended practise to drive on the roads without a groom and I personally never drive without a groom - I have been in too many sticky situations (not usually of my making..) that the groom has got me out of to risk going without them.

[Wally]

What worries me about those charrot thingies is the drag on those wheels. That and the innability to carry a groom.

What about stability? I thought they looked really good, but then, you cannot really teach any body to drive properly in one as the driving position is all wrong. What if the horse puts in a really nasty stop and sutn on the spot? How do you brace?

[Miriam]

I'm with Esther on driving on the roads without a groom. I'd only use the Chariot if I was in the paddock. It's the only place I drive without a groom

[Chip]

The chariot was admittedly designed by someone who hated the 'etiquette' associated with traditional driving. Undoubtedly it is more for use off-road than on. Sharp braking is no problem in staying balanced, and there is no drag. I understand also the issue with the groom as I asked this myself, but so many people drive without a groom anyhow, often even in the showring etc. Have to say that getting out of the chariot is quick for the driver and can be quicker than many conventional vehicles. I am not running down traditions or implying the chariot is faultless, far from it, the chariot certainly has faults, but it also has advantages.

My husband and I have joined a carriage driving club and they are willing, infact keen, on getting these vehicles in use in an effort to promote carriage driving. Many have tried and like the chariot, in it's place.

We also own and drive a cob with a traditional carriage that has been used and done well in the showing circuit, we just like to be open to new ideas and maybe adventurous.

I am actually looking for a training vehicle to use on the road for my 11.1hh welsh A if anyone can help, very limited funds.

[Wally]

I've been looking at Hillam vehicles. They look good value, Watch this space, a friend may be getting one.

[Chip]

Do they have a website? I have heard of them.

[saddlechariot]

I quite agree that grooms are necessary for driving carriages on the road but the saddlechariot is not a carriage. It is a chariot and as such designed to be driven solo. I have faced attacking dogs, jet fighters, helicopters and the average road user while driving and have never wanted a groom.
Saddlechariots may be different and may not be traditional but they were designed by a coward and cowards don't take silly risks.

[Chip]

Hi Simon, nice to see someone on my side. From a safety point of view I agree the chariot is safe, my gripes are with comfort, which is probably just me. Have sent you a message.

The groom issue has always been a big one and one that I asked initially, but the fact that you can get off so quickly, I believe overcomes this. I can get off many times faster than I can as a groom in my husbands carriage.


The chariot I feel is ideal for training the pony. After a few days my pony was then put into a trap with no problems. Also, you are sitting so you still need to learn to weight yourself to the movement and turns, as you would if you wanted to stand to drive, which feels great.

[Chip]

If I can do this----- a photot of the saddlechariot. You can see there is a padded bar for the knees.
http://www.horsetrace.com/db/forums/uploads/post-8-1092510222.jpg

[Laetitia]

Really interested in these chariots. Do they come in a bigger size as it is quite useful to be able to see over the horse's back where you are going. I drive a light heavyweight mare to a big marathon cart. My groom is essential, not only from the safety angle but also to keep the cart wheels down when we go cross country. Are these chariots tippable x country? Tell me more. L

[Chip]

The chariot I believe is the same size for all horses with different length shafts fitted. They are very difficult, but not impossible, to turn over. I managed it once. Obviously on that occasion I came off but the chariot righted itself instantly as the pony galloped off into the distance!!!

Simon is always ready to discuss problems and explain things. He devised a way of allowing it to be driven crupper-less after my original mare developed melanomas on her dock.

You can see pictures of big horses in the chariot on his website,

http://www.saddlechariot.com/index.html

[Laetitia]

Thanks Chip, I had another look on the site and you're right - Jack looks quite big. I'll bear it in mind. Have to get this mare sound first, she has been diagnosed as having Navicular - which is devastating - but must be positive. Having been off for nearly 2 months now with treatment, the vet will trot her up Monday week, so think of me. I thought perhaps one of these chariot things might be better for her as a lightweight exercise cart while we regain fitness before attempting the heavy marathon cart. Will have to wait and see for Monday. L

[Chip]

Sorry to hear about your horse, hope he will be Ok. The chariot is very light and is designed to be driven with the driver standing which makes it even lighter on the horse.

[Laetitia]

Thanks Chip, Monday tomorrow so will have to see how she goes on the trot up. L

[saddlechariot]

I have driven a 15.2 Gelderlander without problems, at least of looking over the back of the animal. Cross country, who needs to keep the vehicle down. I am bashing down the Fells rounding up feral Shetlands (just for fun) and I assure you they don't stick to the paths. The Saddlechariot jumps like a dream.
Just remember it isn't a carriage, a trap, gig or anything like that. It is a chariot and it does things you wouldn't think of doing in a carriage. But then again I can't take passengers without attaching the trailer on the back.
If you want a laugh I will bring one down when I am passing your way.
Simon

[Laetitia]

Simon you're on.

My mare has trotted up sound, thank goodness. Will start riding fittening in the next couple of weeks when I move her to a livery yard that has very little road work to get to the tracks for the plains. Hopefully she'll stay sound so can start driving when she's a bit fitter. Apparantly its road work / concussion that contributes to exacerbating the condition. I have quite a bit of road from home which is why I'm moving her for the winter. L

[saddlechariot]

Laetitia,
looking forward to it. I am just getting my little Henry back into work. Thought we might lose him as he spent three weeks in his box without putting his near fore on the ground. We had him x rayed twice, Bute, you name it as he had torn his elbow joint squabbling thru the fence. The enforced rest meant his fetlock went out in sympathy but then he decided to get better. Now driving up 1 in 5 hills, but only at a walk till I can get him fit again. He must be the one of the few shetland X's on good grazing + ad lib hay and supplementary feeding, loads of it.
But he is now driving the Fellrazor, the Turfsurfer for lunatics. It goes places I wouldn't believe.
Hope to meet soon
Simon