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One of the most discussed areas of Disabled Driving is carriages. What type should I use? Should I get a four-wheeled or a two-wheeled? How will I get into the carriage? I do or I do not want to drive from my wheelchair? What kind of carriage can do Pleasure Driving and Combined Driving? We hope to answer these questions as well as introduce the type of carriages that are available.
BENNINGTON RDA CHALLENGER
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USDFD has a new carriage! An anonymous donor
has given the funds to purchase a Bennington RDA Challenger.
Designed especially for the Riding for Disabled Association in Great Britain,
the vehicle is state of the art. Made of wood and steel, it is a unique design.
Unlike most carriages, the Challenger has rear steering. As Debbie Banfield
describes it, “The carriage drives like a two-wheeled cart, rides like a four
wheeled carriage.” It is made low profile for both stability and ease of entry.
"...a single four-wheeler designed for the semi-ambulant and wheel chair driver. Sprung aluminum shafts fixed for ease of putting to; aluminum wheels fitted with traditional solid tyring; front parabolic semi-elliptic springs are fitted for suspension; two detachable single seats are fitted for the semi-ambulant and AB Whip; three stage aluminum telescopic ramps incorporated for ease of loading the wheel chair driver." -Bennington website
There are
three seats, one of which comes out to allow space for a wheelchair. The chair
locks down into channel locks with tie-down straps. The aluminum ramps are made
to handle upwards for 600 lbs, then easily fold up and store beneath the seat.
Both manual and electric wheelchairs can fit into this carriage.
Our first driver was Scottie Stoddard. The carriage arrived on October 19 and
she drove on the mornings of Oct. 20-21. She loved the vehicle and said it rode
like a dream. The feel of the rear steering took some getting used to, but
overall the ride was nice. Freddie the Fjord had no trouble with the vehicle.
Although he is 14.3h, a 13.3 hand pony would work out fine.
USDFD plans to use the vehicle for lessons and demonstrations. The carriage will
open doors for drivers who need this type of vehicle. It is one of the first of
it’s kind to cross the ocean into the US. For more Bennington
carriages, see below. Thank you, Donor!
THE THORNLEA
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This carriage is a Thornlea created by Jerry Garner of Indiana. Jerry has been in disabled driving for a long time and has designed a carriage to fit many needs. This version is made for two large ponies, two small horses, or one draft horse to pull. The back has a hydraulic lift for wheelchairs. All the seats can be removed so that more than one wheelchair bound person can go at a time. The chairs are locked in the front with a special bar. Jerry also designed a lighter version of this carriage to be pulled by one horse. This carriage is great for lessons, driving around the farm, giving carriage rides at hospitals or rehab centers, and Pleasure driving. Jerry is the exclusive maker of these vehicles and he puts his loving touch into each one. Jerry Garner, 6495 S. 750 W-6, Wabash, IN 46992, (260) 569-0054
CUSTOM BUILT COMPETITION CARRIAGE
This carriage was made especially for disabled driver Diane Kastama from California. The seat rotates 180 degrees and lowers to the grooms stand so she can get on. The seat then raises and rotates back. Diane can go drive with just 1 other person to help. Paul Milton made the carriage. Diane has used this carriage in multiple world championships as well as driving in many domestic competitions, including the National Single Horse Championships. For information, contact Diane at dkastama@verizon.net.
Although, USDFD has no personal experience with these vehicles, other companies that have designed handicapped carriages in the past are:
Bennington Carriages in Great Britain:
BENNINGTON RDA BEEBY
...designed by Michael Mart in conjunction with Mr Beeby and his Driving for the Disabled Group. Tailor made for small pony drivers. Built to the quality engineering standards that we have come to expect from Bennington. Sprung aluminum shafts easily adjustable for length, width and height; steel wheels fitted with pneumatic tyres; parabolic semi elliptic leaf springs are fitted for a side ride; a single seat is fitted complete with a cushion for the AB whip; three stage aluminum telescopic ramps incorporated for ease of loading the wheel chair driver.
No pictures of the Westminster are available at this time.
BENNINGTON RDA WESTMINSTER
...designed for the semi-ambulant and wheel chair driver, with aluminum ramps included. Built to the quality engineering standards that we have come to expect from Bennington. Sprung aluminum shafts easily adjustable for length, width and height; aluminum wheels fitted with traditional solid tyring; parabolic full elliptic springs are fitted for suspension; a single seat is fitted; three stage aluminum telescopic ramps incorporated for ease of loading the wheel chair driver; clad with high quality pre-treated plywood.
BENNINGTON RDA SUPERSTAR
...a two-wheeler designed for semi-ambulant and wheel chair drivers with the ease of loading from Bennington's unique hydraulic system. Built to the quality engineering standards that we have come to expect from Bennington. Sprung aluminum shafts fitted with length, width and height easily adjustable; aluminum wheels fitted with traditional solid tyring; proven Bennington suspension unit; a single seat is fitted together with a cushion for the AB Whip; BODY CAN BE HYDRAULICALLY LOWERED AND BACK DOOR FORM'S THE OTHER PART OF RAMP FOR EASE OF LOADING.
BENNINGTON RDA WAGONETTE
...a wagonette modified for semi-ambulant and wheel chair drivers. Built to the quality engineering standards that we have come to expect from Bennington. Independent aluminum shafts; aluminum wheels fitted with traditional solid tyring; rubber torsion bar system on the rear, elliptic springs on the front for suspension; rear side seats fold back allowing wheel chair access, single seat fitted for the AB Whip, which fits alongside the wheel chair driver; three stage aluminum telescopic ramps incorporated for ease of loading the wheel chair driver, as well as hydraulic pump. REAR DISC BRAKES FITTED AS STANDARD
For all Bennington Carriages visit: Bennington Carriages on the web or in North America, contact: Mrs Jean Kinsella, The Karst, 94 Judds Bridge Road, Roxbury. CT 06783. Tel: (860) 354 4947, E-mail: karst1204@earthlink.net
Fenix Carriages in Great Britain:
Vehicles built to the requirements of the Driving for the Disabled Association are available in several different styles. Fenix Carriage Driving is the only centre where you can find the manufacture and restoration of carriages, the training of carriage horses and instruction for their drivers all at one location. Fenix Carriages was founded over 25 years ago by Mark Broadbent. Based near Tiverton, Fenix's team of craftsmen use modern and traditional techniques to build the highest quality show, commercial and competition vehicles. Mixing Sport and Business can work, as Fenix Carriages have shown over the last 25 years. The Company has developed with the sport and grown to an organisation building modern and traditional vehicles, offering training and schooling facilities and advising bodies throughout the world. Fenix have the staff and resources to cater for beginners through to advanced competitors.
For more information on Fenix Carriages, visit: Fenix Carriages on the web.
Kuhnle Carriages in Germany:
Kühnle • Marathonwagen • marathon carriage K 190 Albatros
A single carriage, equipped with removable roll-bar, removable fenders with lamp brackets and lamps and special brake equipment which can be acted by arms (elbows). 220 kg, track width 130 cm, wheels diameters 75/75 cm.
This vehicle was designed for a specific driver and is located in Germany. Many vehicles can be designed and adapted for an individual.
For more information on this vehicle visit Handicapped Kuhnle on-line or in the US contact: Martin Auctioneers, Inc. & Kuehnle Carriages, Karen and Paul Z. Martin Jr. North American Distributors Phone: (717) 354-6671 · E-Mail: martinauctioneers@frontiernet.net
Bellcrown Carriages in Great Britain:
Bellcrown Carriages are currently celebrating 25 years of International carriage manufacture. With carriages in over 30 Countries Worldwide, we are a team dedicated to providing a wide range of 2 and 4 wheel carriages for a variety of driving requirements using the best materials and our extensive experience.
We are also pleased to offer carriages approved by the Riding and Driving for the Disabled Association (RDA) suitable for disabled drivers.
For more information visit Bellcrown Carriages on-line.
For a list of carriages used by various Therapeutic Centers in the US visit: Carriage List on-line.