This message is from: "Pasqual, Patricia A" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
I have a Frontier Easy entry cart that I had modified by having a carriage maker change out the bicycle tires and axel for motorcycle tires. I'm really glad I did this, because it is much sturdier now (and when I use this cart I am often doing some fairly rugged cross country). Having said that, realize that it was about a $150 improvement on a $450 cart . . . and if I had started from scratch I would have probably gone the wooden easy entry cart route. The one that KMAC has looks absolutely ideal - you could easily show in that one and look very smart. My other cart was made for me and Elph - it is a very pretty road cart that the carriage maker customized with a lovely bent wood box and spindle back seat, is exactly right for me as far as how I sit in it and where I put my feet for balance (it is not terribly comfortable for my husband, however, who is a foot taller than me). The most important thing with a cart, however, is that it be BALANCED. Two wheeled vehicles need to be perfectly balanced - while you are in them - so that there is not too much weight on the horse. I have heard that no more than fifteen pounds, and that seems a little high to me. So before you purchase any cart, sit in it and have someone bring the shafts up to pulling position, and see how much weight you have in your hands. There are lots and lots of Meadowbrook (and other) carts out there, and the carriage makers have varying degrees of ability to create a balanced cart. Some don't seem to pay any attention at all to it, others get it. Any of the all wooden carts can be very heavy, so be balanced! I hitched Elph up to my barn owner's Meadowbrook, it was a lovely springy ride and nicely balanced, but I know there are many out there that are a lot of dead weight. On bits: I showed my vet the driving bits I have been using, I thought they were French Link style, (they were sold that way), she said they were more of a Dr. Bristol and no wonder Elph has been resistant as I try to pick up contact. So it's off to the bit store . . . again . . . Tish and Elph in Minneapolis Yet another fabulous driving weekend ahead weatherwise, but deer hunting opener will keep me and my deer colored horse on the farm!
