Cart fit question--shafts

[Marsha Cassada]

Is there an optimal width between the horse's body and the shafts? Does not enough space keep him from turning properly? Too much space cause a problem?

 

[horsenarounnd]

There is no one size fits all for the shafts. You've got the right idea, too tight will be uncomfortable for the horse. Think of how your clothing fits if you're wearing a belt that's too tight. On the other hand, if there's too much room, the fit will be sloppy and there will be up and down movement of the shafts and the cart will not be comfortable for the horse or driver. Optimal, probably just enough room for the horse and harness to fit between the shafts with enough extra space to fit your hand in held flat. Real question is how to get that. If your cart has metal shafts, you may be able to bend them in or out (Carefully) to get a better fit. With wood shafts, you may be able to move them slightly in or out by either chinching them in while the cart is not put to the horse, or putting a piece of wood between them to force them out slightly. The wood shafts may take a new "set" in this way but be very carefull to not over do it or you can break the shafts. There's no sure way to accomplish this. Your best bet is to make sure the cart fits the horse before you buy it. I know this isn't always practical.....GOOD LUCK!

 

[paintponylvr]

Thank you HorseNaround, for a very clear explanation of getting a cart to fit! I've been in this quandary when driving pregnant mares to carts. Usually with wooden shaft carts, so it's been interesting. Never even occurred to me that you could change wooden shafts! (I should know better)...

 

[horsenarounnd]

You really can't change wood shafts,...much and it isn't easy, but if not doing it means some expensive modifications, its worth a try. Wondering if the shafts really will take a new set? Ever look at a cart and wonder why the shafts curve up at the tips? That's what hapens when you store a wood shaft cart with the shafts resting on the ground instead of supporting the shafts in a level position. In time, the shafts will assume a new bend just from the pressure of the cart on the tips. Shafts and all the rest of the bent wood components on your cart all start as straight square blanks cut from a log. They are heated and hydraucally or mechanically bent in to the curved shape, then left to dry. When dry, they remain bent, but there is always the natural force trying to return that piece of wood to its original straight shape. This is especially a problem with mini sized pieces, as there is not a much wood to resist force.

 

[Marsha Cassada]

I think we sometimes have a tendancy to overthink certain things, especially as beginners.

Thanks for the replies; she has figured out what she plans to do.