Shetland cart?

flying solo

flying solo

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Hi everyone, I've recently been teaching my 10.2hh Shetland X long rein and tomorrow his harness arrives so will spend a few weeks getting used to that and pulling random stuff but looking a for a cart? Apart from robinsons I have no idea where else to look for a basic, cheap and safe cart to start off with incase he hates it!

Any ideas would be most appreciated, trying to keep him trim as there is only so much exercise a 4yo will give him :-) thanks xx
 
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Yes look at the carriage link website where all sorts of used driving stuff is advertised and horses etc etc also if you want new my first very basic carriage came from hillam carriages they make them and will advise you what would be best.
But you should get something second hand quite easily also look at dragon driving I have never used this one but there's always stuff on there.
Four wheels are more stable but as they have turn tables so they turn quicker and can be a bit scary for breaking two wheelers have fixed shafts so the carriage will not jackknife but you need to be experianced to get the harnessing and balance of the carriage just right.
Do you have someone experianced to help,you through the driving away bit ? if not I would advise you find someone as if it's done wrong and the pony gets a fright it's difficult to undo.
There a some Shetlands that compete in driving trails they are amazing when they are fit.
 
Thanks miss l toe, I just mean I don't want to spend over £500, some of the carriages are beautiful but I'm looking for basic and safe just now :-) been keeping a eye out but without travelling 100's of mile down to England to view and collect the market in Scotland seems very few and far between so was hoping someone on here might know of something closer. I know is a risk, he might hate it etc but it's a chance I'll take as I don't want another sharer as its too much hassle and to be honest I'm greedy and like the horses to myself! x
 
PS should have said my first hillam had four wheels and fixed shafts so it was a half way house it was great for getting going but I quickly upgraded to something smarter . Look at hartland website and Bennington to see absolutely fab carriages.
 
Miss L Toe said:
The British Driving Society has ads, also Dragon Diving, I think you need a tiny carriage, but be prepared to sell it if it does not work out rather than buying cheapest. Also Shetland harness is rather petite.
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As above, Robinsons carts are not very robust, also try Carriagelink and Indoor Horse Driving Trials forum. The carriage makers also have a second hand section usually, Bennington or Hartland off the top of my head.
 
Golden star, the lady I bought my big pony off has given me pointers but is a fair distance and I don't know anyone else! I know this isn't the best idea I've had but I think he has possibly done it before, he has taken to it really easy and I always have helpers on hand should something go wrong. I am in no hurry to get him into the cart but would like to purchase one whilst I have "spare" funds whilst my other half doesn't know ;-) x

Will check those sites thank you x
 
X posted with Goldenstar. It's rather ironic, I've recently been in the market for a Shetland 2 wheeler, I'm in Surrey, everything I liked the look of was Northern England or Scotland!
 
Have you looked at scda.co.uk ( the Scottish driving trials club ) they have a for sale section and also NEDTL the north eastern club they do too .
If you contact the scottish club they will put you in touch with people near you who will help . I also have a good friend completed in Scotland for many years when she lived there so could ask her if you needed.
 
I was looking on Dragon Driving. Sycamore carriages do a reasonable 2 wheeler, they don't seem to have a website but are on DD. My trainer, (well known!) has just bought one of theirs so must be decent.
 
I bought 3 from here: http://www.sulkys.eu/?sLang=en they are cheap and cheerful and come in a flat pack. The wheel bearings are rubbish and have been changed for German ones. No worries since.

PS I don't think it will take a few weeks as you said. It depends on the horse/pony of course. One of mine only took 8 days to get between the shafts.
 
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