What cart and harness??

[lucydales]

Having now got the driving bug, I'm going to start looking for a better harness and cart for Amy (no real rush though!).

I'd love everyone's thoughts on whats best for a general all round do a bit of everything vehicle (if there is such a thing!) and particularly what sort of harness to get (leather vs synthetic, Zilco or Tedman, good makers of English harness, practicalities of each type vs cost, etc).

All thoughts gratefully appreciated!

Many thanks

Lucy

PS We might have a go at starting Isaac off on Sat if the weather's not too foul!

[kaz]

As far as harness is concerned definitely get synthetic. Leather is just not practical for day to day use. The synthetic is now very good, not webbing but the synthetic coated leather look stuff that just wipes clean. I got mine from Equifor several years ago. It is Webbsters harness, I think it is from Germany. It is just as good harness as Tedman at about half the price. I have had it for years and its still going strong. It also cleans up great for exercise vehicle classes (Car interior polish (Back to Black or some such silicon based polish brings it up really lovely for show)

As far as vehicles are concerned, if your budget would go as far as a 4 wheeler all the better. I would love to get a 4 wheeler for William, it’s the next thing on my wish list !

Best sticking to a well known make such as Benington, Fenix or Bellcrown. These are well known trusted brands that will hold there value if you ever want to sell on. As these hold there values they are a bit more expensive and also don’t come on the market very often but you might be lucky. There are lots of foreign vehicles coming in now form Poland, Hungary and Eastern Europe, these are cheaper but quite often they can be very heavy vehicles so check out the weight of any you look at, also these wont hold there value as well as one of the better known British makes

[clara]

Hi Lucy
I second Kaz emotions on vehicles although if you still consider yourself a novice or feel Amy is still novice stick to 2 wheelers as it is less easy to get yourself in a pickle! They are easier to drive and less likely to turn over. I have Benningtons and Bellcrowns and the Benningtons paint work is a lot better. If you look up Bennington they sometimes have second hand models. The intro 2 wheeler is fantastic and will take you anywhere and everywhere. They usually come apart to for easy traveling. ( GO for a conservative colour like blue or burgandy if you want to show exercise classes. )They also do a fun bug which lots of people rave about but I'm not mad on. I use Tedman harness and love it again it will take you anywhere you want to go but I'm sure Kaz's contact is worth following up. Bellcrown do some cheap and chearful starter packs which again will take you anywhere but I bought my four wheeler off him and I am not impressed with the longevity of the paint work. There are lots of polish vehicles about but you need to know what you are buying or buy from someone reputable and they tend not to bother with the 2 wheelers. Some websites to watch for are carriage-link and dragon driving, sorry I don't know the exact sites but you will pick them up on google. The above makes are great but they do cost a bit more - however they are well worth the money. Best thing is to try to see some different vehicles in the flesh and then decide. If there is a show with exercise or pleasure driving classes near you it would be worth a peek. Best of Luck!

[zeldalithgow]

Have you seen this on DPDG Lucy, Kim is selling this z10.invisionfree.com/DalesPonyDiscussion/index.php?showtopic=2910

[lucydales]

Thank you ladies, super sound advice as usual!

I saw the Hillam, Zelda, but assumed that had long gone. It's also a long way away and they won't post.

I'm in no great rush as the Croft is suitable for our level of driving (especially as Sue can stand on the back and bale out if I get in the kack!), but Amy is definitely happier driving than riding so I need to be keeping an eye out for something better for her. My OH has said he will do the rusty bits up on our cart (bless him! He thinks I am less likely to kill myself driving Amy than riding Isaac ;D so is actively supporting driving! LOL! He even did loads of video at Bakewell so if anyone wants a laugh I'll send them a copy of our driving class!) for the time being, so will keep my eyes peeled for a Bennington (which are my favorites to date).

I have bought a wicker basket off ebay today to create my own spares kit! When the show steward was going to have a look at ours I told him he needn't bother as it was his!!! I'd borrowed it from his daughter for the show!

I'm trying to get Amy in foal this year, half of me wishes we could put it off and consolidate our driving, but it's rather late for her as it is, so I hope she does catch. I'll just have to get Isaac or Pants going instead for her year off!

Does anyone do driving bridles without blinkers (or have a pattern I can borrow/copy) as all the ones I've asked about the blinkers are integral? TYVM.

[dollylanedales]

Well, we have a selection of carts, and also harness, for different ponies, and different occasions.

I have to admit that I do like the Bennington. Unfortunately, it is too expensive for me. I groomed for Alan Barnes at the Derbyshire Dales and Fell show on his 4 wheeler Bennington, and its so smooth, comfy, and like being in a Rolls Royce!!

As to Harness, I do have several sets of synthetic, saves a lot of elbow grease!! I have some English leather and also a German set which are nice, but tend to use the synthetic. I like Zilco, but again, it is pricey unless you come across a second hand set.

What you buy depends on what you intend to do ....is it purely for showing, or will you be doing cross country etc.!!!

We have had a Hillam exercise carriage for years, and Molly has won the driving class twice at the Dales show with that ....and its not posh looking by any means!!

[lucydales]

Thanks Mair!
PM me your address and I'll send you a disc as you feature on it (if somewhat briefly!!).
Oh yes, your posh carriage squeaked!! You come past and it sounds like we're squeaking!!
It reminded me of the stuffed dog in Sir Henry at Rawlinson End!!!

I think there's a good chance we will do a little of everything knowing us, not necessarily to excel at anything! LOL!

[dollylanedales]

LOL at the posh carriage squeaking, Lucy!! Its virtually brand new - that was Alan's first ever driving show and also Whitworths Blossom. Carriage usually only round the village, so its still in show room condition. Are you sure the squeaking you heard was not me, giving Alan directions on where he should be in the ring - my voice did get rather high pitched especially when Blossom started to canter .......and I thought Alan was going to put his foot on the brake, when I had warned him not to.

[clara]

Just opened the new copy of carriage driving there is a Benni intro 2 for sale!
Reads
Bennington introp 2 wheel carriage, to suit 13.2 to 14.2 excellent condition (as new) Midnight blue. Genuine reason for sale. £850 ovno Nottinghamshire 01623 861315.
My geography is pants but think this maybe close to you? If you don't get it I might as it is a good deal!

[clara]

I'm sure if you called Tedman or Zilco direct they may do cheek pieces with out blinkers. Fiona Tedman is a good lady to talk to and I'm sure it she doesn't do one she may be able to make one for you. I will have to call them soon as I need one for the little muppet. Otherwize you could commision a harness maker to make youa black leather bridle without and this would be perfectly correct. ALthough it will cost a pretty penny!

[lucydales]

Clara, Notts is next door to me so will give them a call if I can negotiate funds from OH (who has just bought a new train so I have reasonable grounds!!) Thanks for looking for me!
I will contact the Zilco/Tedman peeps also. Fortunately I can make leather things after an interesting series of courses in Penrith last year so I should be bold and have a go at making my own!! Do browbands have to have metal clenchers in or can they be plain?? My understanding of a driving bridle (without blinkers) is it's much the same as an inhand one only more substantial or do they have any other clever bits added?
Many thanks
Lucy

[clara]

Mmm good question not really sure about in hand bridles. The 'carriage driving' magazine has a books for sale bit www.carriagedriving.co.uk/productlisting.php?search=h . Scroll down there is a book called 'bridlework'. Well done you for even thinking about it! Sewing on a button is about as far as my needle work talents take me! Go girl!

[lucydales]

Ooh! I've got that book so will have a look and see if it does driving bridles, I also have Robert Stienke's (sp?! LOL!) one on harness so will have a trawl through that too. Not sure if they have good patterns, I seem to remember being disappointed for the money I'd spent last year!

Have you heard of Genesis vehicles, I've found one of those that looked good if the Bennington doesn't materialize? And have found a similarly priced Bucaneer to the intro, which of those would be best? Questions, questions, are you sick of me yet?!!

Many thanks as ever!

Leatherwork is very theraputic and enjoyable, it was great for me recovering from my head injury last year. I just need time to practice more! Maybe I could make a whole harness then! LOL!

[clara]

I haven't heard of Genesis but this doesn't mean they are not good. The Bucccaneer is worth a look as it is the next step up from the intro - it has eliptical springs and more 'wood work', if it is in good condition it would be great. My advice is go for the thing that looks the most new as the less wear the better they look and the sounder they are. On the bucaneer check the springs for rust and wear as they are the first places to go.
Best of luck with it all not least the bridle making!!

[lucydales]

The Buccaneer was sold when I contacted them but may have found a welsh one but don't know age/condition/price yet.
Had D's mummy and daddy here today so haven''t phoned the notts peeps yet.
However did get Isaac pulling the breaking cart up and down the drive under his own steam without hysterics so am dead chuffed! Not much turning yet as that was more tricky and he was doing very well so we ended on a high after 45 mins as his attention was drifting! Claire's whisked the cart off for someone else to use, so more of a rest for him now. He's not an Amy but has potential!! LOL!
We had a great time with Linda and Joe especially as they bought lunch and wine! Linda did find a D rib so I am starving her!!!!!! D was quite flexible so Linda was pleased with her and her limp has all but cleared up. It was great them coming as we co-opted them into loading railway wagons on to trailers in 6" of thick mud to help my OH, we couldn't have done it on our own!! Thank you Linda and Joe!