Where to find a Cart in Ontario, Canada.

[DJohn]

Hi all!
This will be my FIRST post ever on COTH :yes:
I have been lurking and reading for months now, and I finally gained the courage to post.

I am curious to know if any of you know where I can find a Meadowbrook Cart (and eventually a Cross Country/Trail Buggy) in Ontario, Canada. Or in any surrounding areas. The states has all of the good carriages! I know Frey sells new (and very expensive) show carriages. I do not need anything show-worthy as I won’t be showing. I am specifically looking to find something used, and I really like going to Auctions so I can measure and investigate and BID! (which is my favourite part). I am looking to purchase in April.

Ideally I’d like a trail buggy, but they are around $3500 + here and that is a wee bit over budget. Also looking for a Meadowbrook.

All in all, I want to know where I can go to find used carts/buggies here in Ontario, Canada! Auctions, people who ship them here etc. I am open to options and I’m so excited for April when I make the “big buy”.

If anyone is curious, I am specifically looking for something for a large TBx (think warmblood). He’s 16.2. Shaft length would have to be around 84" or a bit longer, and hoping for 50" wheels if it’s a 2-wheeled cart.
Feel free to message me if there are any places to avoid, or if you have something suitable. Nice to meet you all, I am glad to be here!

[cabz]

Hi DJohn

Welcome to the forum and driving world. Is you horse already trained to drive?

Check out www.driveontario.ca, if you do not know about it, driving clubs in Ontario. Where are you located? There is a cross country cart for sale under the classifieds, don’t know if it would be suitable for your use. Also check out Creekside Carriages in Millbank, he makes various carriages etc and if you happen to got there, check out Anna-Mae’s restaurant down around the corner for a good meal!!!

Good luck in your search and have fun driving

Cabz

[DiamondJubilee]

Hi, and welcome!

I don’t post here too often, but I’m from Ontario as well What area do you live in?

I second checking out the driveontario website for any carriages in the area. It can be pretty tough finding anything in this area though. The Canadian Driving Classic used to be great as it was just outside of Orangville and vendors came from everywhere with carriages for sale. We bought our last carriage from there, and a meadowbrooks years before that. But that show is long gone…

I also look at the US sites such as the ADS (American Driving Society) as they have some classifieds on there. Perhaps you plan on going down to the States sometime and can pick one up?

Summit View Carriages also might be a good place to look (you can check out their website). I have bought some used harness from him and I know he gets carriages in often. You can even tell him what you are looking for and perhaps he can bring it in for you.

Good luck in your search

[Mozart]

Have you tried your local Kijiji? I sometimes see carts and buggies advertised on mine, in the livestock section. I also know of someone in Manitoba who was selling their Meadowbrook cart, not sure if that is practical or not (re: shipping costs)

[DJohn]

Hi DiamondJubilee, it’s 1h2m!
I have been checking kijiji on and off, there’s nothing GOOD in Ontario. The odd Meadowbrook goes through. Thankfully, I have time to be picky. I am going to attend a bunch of auctions in April with measuring tape in-hand. Hopefully I find something there. I will check out Manitoba, thanks!

[River_Clipper]

Have you checked out Wilson Stock Farm in West Lorne, Ontario? They advertise on kijiji too. They are selling a cross country steel cart and have used carts and carriages as well.

[Corbyville283]

Creekside carriages

I second the idea of purchasing your meadowbrook through Creekside carriages. We bought ours from them in 2008 and it has been just wonderful. He custom built it to our specifications for a 17’2 hand Percheron mare. We’ve done parades, weddings and have driven all around with it. It’s a beautiful piece of equipment and he was a joy to work with. Good luck with your purchase.

[DJohn]

Do they have a website? I can’t seem to find anything other than an image of a contact card. Thanks!

[dilligaff2]

Creekside is an Amish business. He does have print material so if you contact him I’m sure he can give you the info you are looking for.

[Corbyville283]

Creekside carriages

As dillingraf mentioned Creekside is an Amish business but when we contacted him he mailed us a relatively simple print catalog. We went up to see him with photos of the modifications that we wanted done to the cart and he was super easy to deal with and willing to make modifications to the plans.

[DJohn]

Excellent! Thank you all for your time & assistance. I am so happy there is a driving forum on COTH