[Megansmam]

Hi, I've just bought a Saddle Chariot for my Shetlands and my Section A. I hope to use it not only for fun driving but also to do a little light work around the farm. Anyone eles using one of these? I also want to continue using them barefoot and bitless. Haven't come across many people who are driving bitless and would love to hear from other peoples experiences and any advice.

[Daisy]

Ooo I'd love a saddlechariot, you must let us know how you get on with it

[Rosemary]

I'd love to see one in action. AengusOg and I had a chat about it. He didn't fancy the idea of detaching yourself from the horse in the event of an accident, wheras I did. But I'd like to see it - any in Scotland?

[Megansmam]

Just been working on getting one of the shetlands used to the harness and also the chariot moving around his back and sides at the moment as he hasn't been driven before. I only bought the chariot last weekend, he is doing really well and, because I know I can safely detatch the harness if we get into trouble, it shouldn't be too long before I hitch him up. Sorry Rosemary I'm in Wales otherwise you would be welcome to come and see it in person. Rainy weather and a grumpy 6month old baby means today will probably be a write off as far as my Chariot goes.

[little blue]

are they quite light - weight, if you're using it with a Shetland?
I've read the articles in country smallholding about them....

[Hardfeather]

Just been working on getting one of the shetlands used to the harness and also the chariot moving around his back and sides at the moment as he hasn't been driven before. I only bought the chariot last weekend, he is doing really well and, because I know I can safely detatch the harness if we get into trouble, it shouldn't be too long before I hitch him up.

Aren't you going to break him to drive first?

[daddymatty82]

Just been working on getting one of the shetlands used to the harness and also the chariot moving around his back and sides at the moment as he hasn't been driven before. I only bought the chariot last weekend, he is doing really well and, because I know I can safely detatch the harness if we get into trouble, it shouldn't be too long before I hitch him up.

Aren't you going to break him to drive first?

what i was just thinking myself i got to break my filly this  winter then if i can get the funds  i really want a chariot i not read to much into it as i really want one and i got no money whatsoever so untill i can afford it or can get the metal and my mates welder il make one im just thinking how much could it carry  as i know what my pony will pull in a few yrs but just wondered what its capability will be

[Megansmam]

Aren't you going to break him to drive first?
[/quote]

I'm 'breaking' him to drive the Chariot. He has aleady pulled around empty plastic drums etc and worked on long reins. This is not my first time starting a horse to drive but should prove to be the safest.

Today we have again been practicing lifting to shafts up around him and walking him around within the shafts, without them being attatched. He is really layed back about the whole affair at the moment. I'm sure things will change once he's in draft but with horses you never can tell. 
 
The worst bit at the moment is getting to grips with the new equipment. It's a lot different from a standard driving harness and I'm find it a bit fiddley. I'm sure it will be easy to use once I get used to it but for now I could do with growing one or two extra arms.

[Megansmam]

are they quite light - weight, if you're using it with a Shetland?
I've read the articles in country smallholding about them....

It is not as light as I expected it to be, but I can easily handle it myself. (I'm 5'5 and not very strong). I think the shetlands should be fine as they are stocky little fella's. I will not be expecting them to plough a field or anything. I was planing to start them driving it for a bit of fun to begin with then building them up until they are able to maybe move a bit of firewood, or take some feed to the sheep. I think the thing I will have to consider the most is the hills around here as there are plenty of them. I will let you know how the cope with the Chariot, if you are interested, once they get driving. Don't worry I won't push them if they struggle with it. Ponies come first with me.

[faith0504]

good luck with it, im without a driving pony at the min, but im hoping to breck my mini mare once i wean her foal off, just to give her something else to think about, will be interesting to see how you get on, im going to stick to the traditional driving though i think, have a little four wheel gig made for her

[little blue]

I will let you know how the cope with the Chariot, if you are interested, once they get driving. Don't worry I won't push them if they struggle with it. Ponies come first with me.

yes, please do.
(Dont laugh) I dont "have room for a pony" which is a shame... I'm interested in the saddlechariot design as I'd like to harness train our (castrated)  goat!  pony carriages are too big, & I'm not sure I could build one!

I'd love to have ponies... and my o/h has a soft spot for donkeys... but its not gonna happen   

[Megansmam]

Oh please let me know if you train your goat to harness little blue, I would love to see that. I think the Saddle Chariot would be to big for a goat but the quick relise system is great. The designer of the Chariot is currently working on a wheelchair version of the veichle and seems to be keen on developing the design. Maybe he will do a special goat version one day!

[little blue]

I'd never afford one... but I love the design!
Max, the goat wears his little harness (for small dogs!) really well, and has just started coming out for walkies... but his mum cries for him & puts us off! She's not keen on coming out - we've trained them so well not to escape! (he's only 6 weeks old)   ....who needs Disneyland?! got it all here 

[shetlandpaul]

don't under estimate shetlands. they can prow. they are extremely strong. though they are very naughty at times. rachel one of the daughters brought star down to check him over. we put him in a small field. the fillies were dismantaling the fence to let him escape and being very rude. rachel was flapping and the wife and myself were rolling about the floor laughing. we have had other fillies swim a loch to chat to our boys.  if you have the space they are worth keeping. if you can learn the ways of a shetland your going to find a fullsized horse easy.

[faith0504]

shetlands are incredible they have funny ways, and a brilliant out look on life, wouldnt be without mine, bless em