Based on the stallion carts of north America and Canada, and also the English gigs, these single-horse vehicles provided newcomers with another route into the heavy horse sector, and established owners with a new objective.
Compared with the expense of acquiring a dray and show harness for a single or pair, it was relatively cheap to buy a two-wheeled cart, often imported from north America or Europe, and to adapt English harness or purchase American harness, and gave single horses who might otherwise be under-used an additional purpose. The competitors have to adhere to a strict set of rules to compete in these classes.
We’re thrilled to have the team showing us how it’s done, at this year’s 10th anniversary event.