2 or 4 wheel

[anon68314200]

I am currently flying solo after the official carriage driver at my employ jumped shipped. We have 3 horses driving well as singles or pair. Since I am alone I plan only single adventures for now.

The previous driver disliked the Glinkowski 2 wheel that we have. She almost never used it. Felt it was too hard on the horses backs. We attempted to set it up for me to use, in anticipation of her departure, but I don’t know. It is harder for me to pull around than the 4 wheel. We spent several hours over a few days fiddling with the darned thing to try and balance it for one horse, and that horse is not currently in work.

I am inexperienced with the driving so likely I should stick with the 2 wheel. Or should I?

Horses are longer neck, longer backed types (saddlebred and ADHH) One is naturally round backed but 2 are naturally hollow.

Presuming I am driving up and down hills, on dirt roads, through fields and over some ruts, how much stress is there on the horses backs?

if you are not shy about stalking you can check out some recent video with the 4 wheel on my FB page.

[DMK]

The likelihood of a 2 wheel being perfectly balanced for multiple horses a seems less likely that a 4 wheel. Also I vote for comfort. 4 wheels, especially given the conditions you describe.

[2DogsFarm]

Too many variables for me to vote either way.
Why did the former (more experienced?) driver not like the cart?
If not sized properly for the horse, cart saddle - through the shafts - can put a LOT of weight on their back.

You say you are inexperienced.
Do you have access to someone with more experience to check things like harness fit, attachment to cart or carriage?

I was taught to drive with a 4-wheel cart put to a stout, experienced pony.
Not knowing the difference, I had no problem driving it solo on the barn’s mowed trails or playing with cones in the arena.

From your video, you look pretty comfortable in the 4-wheel.
IIWM, I’d stay with what feels safe.

[CERT]

The carriages will put less weight on the horses’ backs going up and down (specifically down) hills. As DMK noted it can be hard to balance for multiple horses of varying heights with two wheels.

If the horses were green I would definitely stick with two, the advantage of not jackknifing far outweighs the saddle weight issue. If you are a greener driver you want to br sure you understand the limits of your vehicle. How far can it turn before it is an issue. Sit in the seat and have a friend in the shafts and pivot it left and right so you can visually see your limits so you know when you are good, need caution, or FIX IT NOW!

[anon68314200]

Horses are experienced. One is a former show horse and can be spooky (more than a little.).

I have a .5 mile stone/dirt drive with lesser steep hills. Maybe give that a go for a bit with 2 wheel on one other horse that is similar size to horse we were aiming for when balancing 2 wheel.

[CERT]

If the spooky one tends to go sideways I would stick with two. If it scootches forward and straight you might be okay with four. It’s the sideways and backwards that gets you in trouble… The other one should be good with four.

[anon68314200]

@CERT

If the spooky one tends ro go sideways I would stick with two. If it scootches forward and straight you might be okay with four. It’s the sideways and backwards thst gets you in trouble… The other one should be good with four.

Thanks. Noticed that recently🙄

[Rackonteur]

Your link didn’t work for me.