I had been stalking Facebook Marketplace for about a year, and knew a good deal when I saw one...
(It's amazing how many of my stories start out like this)
And that's how I ended up driving 700 miles round trip to pick up...
(Also this)
Yes, it's true. I, terrified of driving, just bought a cart. I am still as surprised as you all are. But after 18 months of talking to Maude about driving, realizing how much Disco enjoys it, seeing how reliable he is, and acknowledging how ridiculous it is to own two ponies broke to drive and not be able to drive them, I gave in.
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| In the seller's garage. I need to get some glamour shots of it soon. |
Driving is OVERWHELMING, y'all. There is so much to learn and so many ways to do it wrong or to buy the wrong things. Maude graciously looked over each used listing I sent her and gave her opinion - not the right size for Disco, you can't show with bicycle wheels, etc etc. But this one checked out.
And and!! I managed to go pick it up on blogger Teresa's birthday, which is the day before my birthday, so we had a birthday brunch on my way up, which was awesome!
I don't know much about the cart. I think this style is called a gig cart. The paint needs some attention, but the crushed velvet seat is in amazing shape. My biggest concern was getting it home - I waffled for a long time on bringing a trailer or just my truck, because the dimensions were super tight. And they were - it barely fit. But it did fit.
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| This does mean I can transport both cart and pony to a show, as long as the weather is good. |
I was very grateful to whoever ordered this truck new for spec'ing like a million tie down points in the bed. It didn't move a millimeter the entire way home. And it also didn't scratch the cab, thanks to some electrical pipe insulation and a blanket.
Next up, I need a harness, and conveniently, The National Drive is being held 30 minutes from me this week, and they have a tack swap...
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| My who knows how old cart next to my 1917 (yes, really) manure spreader |
Ahhhh!!! So exciting!!! My friends in PA drive their mini and it's the most confusing but cool thing I've ever done and I'm slowly trying to find someone to teach me and my horse how to drive. It's done wonders to my riding as well, and the amount of stuff that transfers both ways is so cool, you will have so much fun!!!
ReplyDeleteWanting to do something with my first Morgan before he was old enough for much riding, a Morgan trainer I knew helped me break him to cart. We 'trail-drove' and showed in Country Pleasure for a year or two, then dressage training and showing took over. It was a lot of fun, I just don't have enough time for it all. I'm pretty sure the hot Morgan mare I have now would LOSE. HER. MIND. if I attempted to train her to harness, as long-lining freaks her out. But I'm going to enjoy watching you and your Cobs do it!
ReplyDeleteHow fun! ❤️
ReplyDeleteWhen our tractor irreparably broke down, we got a suitable harness from a friend and hitched my most reliable schoolie to the harrow to rake the arena. He pulled it like he's been doing it all his life, poor sweet guy lol. I look forward to learning more about how it's actually done in your future posts!
ReplyDeleteThis is so exciting!!!
ReplyDeleteLove this!!! I drove a pony once when I was a child... It was a shetland. She did not listen. We almost walked into a tree. And that is all my experience with driving. Haha!
ReplyDeleteBut I'm excited to read all about you driving in your beautiful new cart!
Oh. It's beautiful. I am so jealous.
ReplyDeleteHehehe, I'm so stoked about this.
ReplyDeleteAwesome.
ReplyDelete