Good newbie cart? Shipping cross-state costs? ...and other first cart questions

[Lauruffian]

Hello all. My mini and I have some work to do before I hitch her up, but of course that doesn’t keep me from looking at carts. Purrrrty.

I have had two lower back surgeries, so I must be picky about ride. I rode in a friend’s Meadowbrook (for her Clydes) for fun and it was so bad for me, my back was sore for the next 24 hours or so. That opened my eyes to the comfort issue, and so a cheap cart that jars my L5/S1 mess will be worse than worthless to me.

I have been contacted by someone in Oregon (I’m in Southern California) with a Jerald Runabout easy entry cart. New, these are $750; she wants $450. Seems a good deal, and she’s added solid tires to it. It would fit my girl and reportedly has good suspension, but as a noob, I don’t know enough to know. I’ve seen pics and it appears in excellent shape.

Then there’s the whole shipping across states thing. $450 is a good price, but add in the shipping, and I’m not so sure. How are these things shipped? Any idea how much that would be? (Owner isn’t sure either, but she’s willing to ship.)

And then there’s the whole conundrum of: Do I wait around and buy something cheap and local for $200-$300 off Craigslist, then need something nicer later, or do I buy something of better quality (and more $$) right off the bat? Or, do I buy one of those new Ebay carts that are $450 new, including shipping?

It’s a new world, and I’m a-learnin’…

[Christa_P]

The best idea is to get connected with a local driving group and start checking out what they use. Ask questions, maybe get a ride in different vehicles, etc.

You can start here to find a club near you:

http://www.americandrivingsociety.org/new_drivers_index.asp

The Carriage Association of America also has good resources:

http://www.caaonline.com/

[goodhors]

I am going to chime in here, and say you may not be able to find the super ride on an inexpensive vehicle. The less expensive, down into cheap, means they have small springs, poor springs, or no springs. The two-wheelers often are made to only go on arena ground, good roads, have a terrible ride over rough ground. That poor ride transfers right up your spine, so you feel each bump and bang over a rock.

Antiques tend to have a good, soft ride, with aged springs and cushy seats. Most have a higher price tag though, especially those in excellent to good condition, ready-to-drive. Newer made vehicles may LOOK alike as a common “Meadowbrook or Road Cart” for instance. Yet they may ride nothing alike, one has a strong set of springs, other one is more soft of a ride.

We did some discussion about back problems for another person, on this thread:

http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum/showthread.php?429875-Best-cart-option-for-me-(back-problems-desire-to-do-CDE)

Maybe you can pick up some useful information there.

Sorry to say it, but the better and best vehicles are not cheap. You may need to add another zero on your shopping budget, to find a comfortable vehicle for your special back issues.

Try riding with some other folks, try 4-wheelers instead of 2-wheelers, see if the various types make your back more happy with their build, springs, seats, so you can hunt for vehicles that are made that way.

[buck22]

I’m far from knowledgeable but wanted to share what little I have to share :lol:

Shipping can be done a few ways.

You can go to a bidding site like uship, put in the parameters of the shipping (cargo type, size, weight, locations, etc.) and allow people to bid for your business. This is how I shipped my carriage halfway across the country. I wanted a good price, so I waited until someone was headed my way with room on the truck.

You can hire a company that is dedicated to shipping horse carts & carriages, and again, for a good price, you can wait until they set a route that convenient to your route. Spring and summer is and excellent time as people are buying and selling vehicles so truckers are busy criss-crossing the country. The folks here can suggest shipping companies.

You can also reach out to a driving community like the ones suggested, or the CDL which is a daily email service that broadcasts to a huge community, see here for more: http://www.carriagedriving.net/index.php?m=c&inc=31

Just about everyone in driving is on the CDL and a lot are traveling around to shows. Often people request for vehicles, tack or horses to hitch a ride on someone’s caravan, or people post that they’re going from X to X and have space for X.

Regarding the cart itself, Jerald is a good name. Looking at googled photos, there seems to be small springs just under the seat which should make for a smoother ride. Its more than I’ve seen on most entry level carts which have virtually no suspension or springs. This doesn’t necessarily mean it will be comfortable however.

The advice that Goodhors gave is spot on, a dear friend taught me as well that older/antique vehicles often have great suspension and very smooth rides, but in good condition they are not cheap.

I personally believe in buying the best I can afford. If I fall out of favor with the item, chances are I can resell it and not loose too much. But more over, I’ve found that good tools make for a good experience which keeps me motivated and interested in an endeavor.

Good luck!!

Oh and I never tire of seeing pictures of your adorable little girl, please keep posting!

[Trakehner]

Jerolds have NO suspension…two small bike seat springs with little travel are nothing. I really don’t care for Jeralds. The cart may have solid tires, but the wheels are wire spoke wheels which are not made for side loads (carriages like cars have side loads on their wheels, bikes and motorcycles don’t, so can get away with wire construction)

A meadowbrook cart has a lot more suspension travel than a pipe cart like Jerold, and should be more comfortable.

Here’s a simple question, what is it worth to you to be able to drive without hurting? A cheap cart won’t be used…think of one of the ghastly Indian leather riding “kits” with saddle/bridle, girth, bit etc. for only $79! Comfy saddle expected or cheap crap you’ll be replacing shortly?

The comfort of the cart is first and foremost, fitting your mini and then cost I imagine. Look at one of these:

http://www.benningtoncarriages.co.uk/carriages/miniature-horse/bennington-mini-magnum-4

I have a Bennington FunBug (they’re heavier and won’t fit your guy)…lovely design and comfortable…plus easy to get in. Same with the mini-magnum. With shipping to the USA is around $2,300 or so. Expensive? What’s your back & comfort worth? Plus they’re saleable if you give up driving.

Don’t get a Jerold, get quality and comfort.

[appybeads]

http://www.horsecarts.com/metaleewithmetalfloor.htm

I have back issues too and I have a cart similar to this one. (Hubby made mine) it has the big springs and is great for trail driving and CDE stuff (lower level). Mine also has a oak floor.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=627100497318799&set=t.1055169712&type=3&theater

[Zu_Zu]

• Some of those easy entry carts are FLIMSY !

[I]
**Some of those ‘easy entry’ type carts are FLIMSY ! :eek:

Even the tack dealer warned me not to consider one ~ and I was not purchasing a cart from him ~[/I]