Carriages have long been a means of transportation for famous, wealthy people. But the time when horse-drawn transport was the main method of transportation is long gone. However, even in our time, unique and luxurious carriages can be seen on the streets of different cities around the world. They are used as a means of transportation by tourists, magnificent wedding processions and simply lovers of antiquity.

Horse-drawn carriages can either be purchased or rented from horse farms and yards. And yet, how to make a carriage for a horse with your own hands.

Determination of dimensions

The ability to make a carriage for a horse with your own hands is a rather rare ability these days. Building a carriage is an art, but it’s not all that difficult if you have rough drawings or a finished carriage from which you can take measurements. If it is not possible to find drawings, then you need to first determine the desired dimensions, clarify the dimensions of the parts and calculate the loads on the main components and axles.

Materials and tools

To build a carriage for a horse, you will need the following materials and tools:

1. Wooden beam.
2. Plywood.
3. Electric drill.
4. Sandpaper.
5. Electric circular saw.
6. Hacksaw.
7. Files.
8. Clamps.
9. Fasteners and bolts.
10. Roulette.
11. Plastic.
12. Foam rubber and upholstery fabric.
13. Glue.
14. Varnishes and paints.

Once all materials have been purchased, sales can begin. Next, we’ll look at how to make a carriage for a horse step by step:

• It is best to take sheets of plywood with a thickness of at least 9mm as the basis for the future carriage. Plywood is quite durable and easy to process. Please note that the plywood must be moisture resistant, since the carriage will be used in outdoor conditions. Start by marking the workpiece according to previously prepared drawings. First you need to mark the sides. Divide the plywood sheet into pieces using a circular saw for ease of work.

Placement of outlines

• Draw the exact outlines of the components onto the plywood. Mark the places where window, door openings and possible technical grooves will be located. Then you can start cutting out the parts. It is most convenient to cut them with a jigsaw or its manual equivalent; to insert its attachment into the plywood, you need to drill holes using a drill.

Cutting blanks

• Two small pieces of plywood need to be cut in half in order to make blanks for the carriage walls. The resulting blanks must be glued with glue. Both parts must be thoroughly lubricated with glue, allowed to dry a little, and then tightened with clamps.
• After the side walls are completely dry, attach the bottom and ceiling of the carriage to them. Please note that the bottom, for greater strength, must be made of thicker plywood, and if the carriage is large, then it is necessary to use additional stiffeners made of wooden beams or a metal profile.

Gluing the bottom and ceiling

• To attach the bottom and ceiling to the walls, you can use steel corners or racks made of wooden beams. The racks must be made in such a way that they rest on the edges of the rear and front walls. It is best to fasten the racks to the walls with bolts or self-tapping screws, having previously made holes for them.
• Next you need to make the front and back parts of the carriage. Their dimensions must be identical to the dimensions between the sidewalls and the height from the bottom to the roof of the carriage. Do not forget also that there should be a place in front where the coachman should sit. If desired, you can also make window openings in the front and back. After fastening all the components together, the body is ready, let's move on to the frame.
• In order to make a frame, it is best to take a wooden board. Draw the frame drawings on the shield and cut it out with a jigsaw or manually with a hacksaw. The corners of the frame must be processed with a file, and then sanded clean with fine sandpaper. When designing the frame, do not forget about the place where the coachman will sit, in the front, and about the place where you can put luggage in the back of the carriage.
• Now move on to the windows and doors. To install windows and doors, you need to cover the openings with plastic, and hang curtains on the doorway. You can make plastic grilles for windows and doors, and then glue them into the openings.

Plastic upholstery

• The seats can be made from fiberboard or leftover plywood. Seat upholstery should be made of thick fabric or leather. Foam cushions should be placed on the seats in order to smooth out vibrations from road unevenness. Nail the upholstery fabric to the base of the seats using a staple gun.

Sofa upholstery

• The wheels can be made from a laminated wooden panel; cut it into four pieces. Cut out blanks of the required size from the blanks, note that the front wheels are usually smaller than the rear ones, and then cut spokes and holes for the axles in the circles. Select the axles under the wheels and press them into the hubs, securing them with bolts.

Rotary mechanism with axis

• Attach the wheels to the frame and the body to the frame. The body is attached with bolts and glue for greater strength.
• After final assembly, sand the entire surface of the carriage with fine sandpaper. Painting is done in two or three layers, after which it is covered with at least two layers of varnish. Decorative finishing is carried out using velvet, leather and gilding.

Now you know how to make a carriage for a horse yourself, good luck with your making.

A horse cart is one of the oldest vehicles. Over time, it has been transformed and improved according to human needs. Now there are several types of such vehicles.

A horse cart is one of the oldest vehicles.

A horse carriage is usually a cargo type vehicle with 4 wheels. It is also called underwater. Carts are rarely used as passenger transport due to the inconvenience of their design. Nowadays, the term “cart” refers to many types of horse-drawn carriages. In fact, this was originally the name given to 4-wheeled springless carts, which were harnessed to one horse. Their carrying capacity varies between 500-700 kg. In most cases, a drawbar and shaft type harness is used. But there are also heavy trucks that can transport up to 2 tons of weight.

Despite their primitiveness, carts are still used as freight transport in many countries. The design is quite complex. They are commonly used on farms and households.

It is believed that carts were first used in the 12th century. The design made at that time is practically no different from today's, with the exception of a few improvements. Modern specimens, as before, are made of wood with a lower metal structure. Spring-type rubber wheels. Quite often the rear wheels are slightly larger than the front wheels. There are platform and side carts.

In order for the horse to be properly harnessed to the cart, it is necessary to understand its design. The process itself depends on this. The harness performs the function of transferring traction gain from the animal to the cart itself. Then the horse remains functional for a long time. To achieve the best effect, the harness is selected individually for each horse, depending on its size and constitution. Additionally, special belts are used for adjustment.

There are 3 main types of harness: for one horse, a pair of horses, and also a multi-horse variety, which is used for threes. As for the latter, in Western countries there are still subspecies for four, six and eight horses. In addition, there are harnesses: traveling, transport, arcless and arc. A more detailed classification is also known: row-and-drawbar, clamp-shaft, row-by-row and Russian. All these options differ in their design and way of harnessing the horse.

Gallery: horse cart (25 photos)

Horse chaise (video)

Shaft-arc harness

Shaft-arc type harness is considered a traditional method. By the way, it is an original Russian version. To understand how to harness a horse, you must first know what parts the structure consists of. It is imperative to check the presence of all elements. There must definitely be a horse clamp with tugs. A cap, a bow, a saddle and other parts are also required. Clamps are selected for all horses, based on the individual parameters of each. This design should fit neatly to the horse's shoulders. If the part is too large, then it is narrowed inside by sewing felt. If the structure is small for a horse, then it cannot be used with a cart. You also don’t need to use a saddle strap without a saddle, since the thin strap rubs the skin a lot. It must be pulled tight and passed through the top of the saddle. The harness must be completely assembled. This part evenly distributes pressure on the horses body.

Now there are several types of such vehicles

Each detail has its place and sequence when put on. To harness a horse, you must perform the following steps:

1. You have to start by putting on the bridle. In cold weather, you first need to warm up the bit. Otherwise, the cooled iron can harm the tissues.
2. Now the harness goes as follows: take the harness in your left hand, place the saddle in your right hand, which is supposed to be placed on the back of the horses. First, place it on the area that is located closer to the withers, and then straighten the hair and bring the part further.
3. The front of the saddle should be located higher than the withers, and the back, on the contrary, should lie lower on the back - approximately between the 9th and 15th ribs.
4. I straighten the harness of the saddles and place them about 10 cm from the horse’s elbow. Tighten the girth so that 2 fingers can be inserted between the body and the girth.
5. Then you need to put a collar on the horse. It should be turned with the bottom side up and passed through the horse's head. When the part is level with the narrow part of the neck, you need to turn the clamp over and install it correctly. Then straighten the fur and throw the harness over the animal’s body.
6. Now you need to lead the horse into the shafts. The ends should be located approximately near the tugs.
7. On the right side, you need to fasten the interlace to the loops. Then do the same on the other side.
8. Hold the tug in your left hand, and carefully take the horse's bow. It should be carefully brought under the left shaft and circled counterclockwise. Then tighten the ends into loops. Repeat the same steps only on the other side to install the right shaft.
9. Now you need to go to the horse’s shoulder blade, take the soup and tighten the 2 ends of the clamp. Be sure to check if there is enough tug. If the ends cannot be closed, then it is necessary to lengthen the clamp itself. If the ends are closed, then the arc is poorly positioned, then it is recommended to shorten the tugs.
10. Reins must be attached to the bridle, which can be threaded through the middle part of the arch if the harnessed horse is obedient. If she doesn’t listen well, then it’s best to do it from the outside.
11. It is necessary to ensure that the tugs are located behind the arc, not in front. You should definitely check the horse cart for stability and mobility.

There is another option - a line-drawbar harness. This option is used when work is carried out simultaneously with 2 horses. For example, it is used in agricultural work. But in order to harness a horse to a cart like this, you need a drawbar. This is a single type shaft, which will be located in the middle. Each animal is fastened to it: the horse must stand still. The main parts of such a harness are lines, stripes and bibs. If you need to figure out how to properly harness a horse to such a structure, then the algorithm of actions is as follows:

1. Put on bridles and collars.
2. Place the horses on both sides of the drawbar.
3. Place a strap from each horse on the drawbar and secure it in the bib ring. The stitchers will control how the line is stretched. In addition, they secure the clamp.
4. Secure the bibs using the lines and clamp.
5. Attach the reins to the bridle.

Line-by-line harness is another option, the simplest, since there are no shafts, drawbars, or arcs. In most cases, this method is called tie-down. It is used for carts, for carriages, and for various equipment that is used in agricultural work (for example, a plow and a harrow). There is nothing difficult about harnessing a horse using this method. The bottom line is that you need to put a harness on the horse and fix it to the cart ring. The scheme for putting on the harness itself resembles the diagram of a shaft-arc harness.

Horse cart (video)

DIY making

If you are interested in how to make a cart with your own hands, you must first read the instructions, prepare the appropriate tools and materials, and complete diagrams and drawings. Only after this can you make a horse cart with your own hands. The algorithm of actions is as follows:

1. First you need to complete the chassis of the entire structure. The chassis consists of a welded solid frame and axles for the wheels. You can carry out welding yourself, but if you do not have the necessary experience and skills, then it is best to entrust this work to a specialist. The axles and frame can be made from a profile: then they will be solid. Another option is pipes with thick walls.
2. Now you need to make a stationary axis, which will be located at the rear. Then make the one that will be in front. It should turn on the pin (2 washers should be fixed).
3. Before you finish the axle that will be located in the front, you need to decide on the type of cart. If it is a drawbar, then you will have to additionally make a special clamp for the drawbar. The shafts must be welded to the front axle, and a special clamp will also be needed. In other words, the shafts will not be removed, but they must be positioned movably so that, due to the holder, they can be directed to the sides, up, down. By the way, they can be fixed on a bracket. For reinforcement, cords are used - these are wire rods. Their diameter should be approximately 1 cm. The wire rod should be fixed to the front axle and shaft.
4. The chassis needs to be completed by installing the wheels. If necessary, they also install brakes.
5. Now you need to make the body to your taste. You can simply cut the boards and make a platform that will be attached to the frame. This option can be modified.
6. Shafts can be made from metal pipes. Wooden beams are also suitable.
7. You can make a seat in the back.

Horse carts are the oldest means of transport. Gradually they were improved and modified, so that new designs appeared (for example, carriages). The harnessing process also gradually became more complicated.

A cart is a wheeled device designed to transport goods using the muscular power of a draft animal. A cart may have two or four wheels and be pulled by one or more animals. They can be horses, bulls, oxen and other representatives of the fauna.

This kind of cart belongs to the category of vehicles that are allowed to travel on public roads. An unloaded trailer pulled by one horse can reach speeds of up to 8 km per hour, which is twice the speed of a person walking at an average pace.

Design Features

The first carts in use centuries ago had wooden wheels, which were made in two configurations: from solid wood, by joining planks together into a shield, and using a spoked rim. The last option was more effective. Such wheels had less weight, and due to the spokes they damped vibrations better.

To increase service life, the wheel rim was covered with a metal hoop, which protected it from destructive damage that occurred when it came into contact with the road surface.

Modern analogues of cart wheels have more productive characteristics. Their rim is made of light metals and is equipped with an air chamber with a rubber tire, which will significantly reduce the load on the draft animal and cart.

The general design of a modern cart assumes the presence of the following elements:

• axes;
• wheels;
• housings;
• shafts;
• rotating mechanisms.

There are two types of carts: single-axle and two-axle.

A single-axle chaise is a lightweight two-wheeled carriage equipped with one transverse axle, at the ends of which wheels are attached. The body of such a cart comes in two types: passenger and cargo.

In the first case, a platform is installed on the cart axis, which serves as the basis for a block of seats. Most versions of a single-axle chaise are equipped with two passenger seats. This is due to the fact that such a number of seats fits effectively into the structure and allows you to maintain balance.

In the second case, a platform is installed on the cart, which serves as the basis for the cargo body. In most options, a panel flooring equipped with light side boards is used as such a body. Such a cart transports various agricultural loads: hay, manure, building materials.

A single-axle cart is a small-sized vehicle. It can be used to transport light weight cargo.

Two-axle carts are considered multifunctional and have high load-carrying properties. The design of such carts requires the presence of more complex mechanisms. Since they are equipped with two pairs of wheels, there is a need for a device that would allow the cart to make lateral turns.

To provide the turning function, the front axle of the cart is combined with a turning mechanism, which is driven by shafts attached to the horse's body. The permissible angle of rotation, as well as the size of the wheels, play a key role in the operation of the mechanism. To increase turning functions, the size of the front wheel should be one and a half to two times smaller than the rear.

This approach makes it possible to reduce the turning radius of the cart and increase the efficiency of its use on public roads.

Control

The cart is controlled by special equipment that connects the horse's body to the cart. This equipment consists of a set of straps and tie-downs that fit over the front of the animal and connect to the person driving the cart. The controls are two belts going to the driver’s hands.

When the handler pulls on one strap, the harness exerts a pulling force on the horse on the side on which the engaged strap is located. In order to reduce the pulling load, the horse turns in its direction. The body of the animal rests against the shaft - a long pole attached to the turning mechanism, and puts it into action. The front axle rotates on a central hinge and turns at an angle to the movement vector of the cart.

Manufacturing

Modern technological capabilities allow you to make a cart with your own hands at home. To make it you need to prepare the following:

• wooden materials;
• metal components;
• wheels;
• belt elements.

The wooden materials used are boards, beams, slats and poles. The list of metal products includes angles, strips, bushings, bearings, nuts, bolts, washers, and self-tapping screws. Wheels can be used from other vehicles, such as cars or motorcycles. The latter version of the wheels is especially preferable, as it is lightweight and easy to install.

The main harness worn on the horse is not part of the cart, but when making the latter it is worth considering the size and configuration of the equipment that will be used in combination with the cart being designed.

Horse equipment is made mainly from leather and is purchased ready-made. The reins are made according to an individual design, taking into account the characteristics of a particular cart. Most often, sling material is used for their manufacture, which is sold in hardware or construction stores.

Tools

The main list of tools needed to assemble a homemade cart:

• sawing equipment (hacksaw, jigsaw, miter saw);
• drill, screwdriver;
• Bulgarian;
• welding inverter (if necessary);
• drill;
• spanners;
• other related tools.

Before assembling the cart, it is important to draw up a detailed drawing. It must indicate the dimensions of the cart as a whole, as well as its individual parts.

During work, it is necessary to constantly check the drawings to monitor compliance with the technology.

Assembly

In the presented photo you can see all the components of the cart.

The process begins with the manufacture of wheel axles. First of all, the rear axle is manufactured, since it has a simpler design. It can be made of wooden beams with a cross-section of at least 150x150 mm, as well as from a metal square profile. The second option is preferable, as it has low weight indicators and a higher percentage of safety margin.

Metal bushings are attached to the edges of the axle, onto which the wheels will be placed. They can be used as axle bushings from the front wheels of a motorcycle. They are manufactured using technologies that provide the best performance.

The bushings can be secured to the edges of the rear axle using a welding inverter and additional spacers. Before mounting the wheels, bearings of the appropriate diameter are selected.

The front axle is assembled according to a similar scheme. The main difference between the front axle and the rear axle is the presence of a turning mechanism in the first one. Its assembly requires special care and precision.

A vertical rod equipped with a bearing is located strictly in the center of the front axle. The rod configuration is similar to that of wheel hubs. A bearing of the appropriate diameter is placed on it.

A special strip with a hole in the center is placed on top of the front axle. This hole is for the rod. The top side of the hole in the strip must be drilled out to create a pocket into which the lock nut will fit.

After the rod is threaded into the strip hole, a nut is screwed onto it. Thus, the front axle is connected to the bar through the rod. At the same time, the possibility of rotation of the front axle relative to the bar remains possible. It is carried out by a bearing mounted on a rod, which is located between the axis and the axial bar.

After this, it is necessary to permanently attach the bar to the bottom of the cart body. To make this task easier, you can rotate the axle 90 degrees relative to the axle bar. Then through holes are drilled in the bar, which also pass through the bottom of the housing. The diameter of one hole should not be less than 10 mm. Bolts are inserted into them, the rounded heads of which should point upward.

After the washers and screws are put on the bolts, the nuts are screwed onto them. The integrity of the rotating mechanism will depend on the number of mounting bolts and the degree of their tightening.

The body is made from dried wooden boards. It consists of a bottom - a boardwalk connecting the wheel axles, and three sides. Typically, a front side board is not required, since its presence interferes with comfortable control of the cart.

The general appearance of the cart body has the outline of an inverted trapezoid. The sides are installed in such a way that their lower components are at a smaller distance from each other than the upper ones.

In our automobile age, there are still people who take on the production of carriages. At the same time, they turn their rather expensive hobby into a business. So is there any point in investing in a business that is so atypical for modern realities?

Features of the carriage business

To organize such a production requires a certain amount of courage. But with proper planning, a small workshop can generate a stable income.

Be sure to carefully study the demand for your products before writing a business plan. You can even discuss cooperation options with potential clients in advance. You need to be sure that you can sell horse-drawn carriages.

There are costs involved in manufacturing any product. Therefore, determine the financial reserve for the purchase of necessary materials. Calculate your profitability. It doesn’t hurt to understand the intricacies of creating carriages yourself. If you are not a pro in this, then you will need to find a master.

After this, do not forget to register your business. The IP (individual entrepreneur) form is quite suitable for you. It is clear that you will need to contact the tax office and register. You do not need to obtain any licenses or permits.

We are looking for clientele

So who might be interested in your product? First on the list are travel companies. Many of them offer their clients leisurely horseback rides through historical places. Indeed, seeing the sights from a car window is boring.

But taking a ride in an old carriage is already exotic! Large firms can keep several carts in reserve at once. So the production of carriages for this category of consumers can turn into a long-term contract, especially since the wear and tear on carriages is quite intense. And you will have to repair them.

The second category of clients are agencies involved in organizing wedding celebrations. Event companies often offer newlyweds a festively decorated carriage instead of boring limousines, huge Hummers and other executive cars. It's romantic, fabulous. Which bride doesn’t dream of being in the place of the happy princess! And the photos in the album will be simply amazing.

Expanding our client base

In addition to the above clients, don't ignore the villagers. They often need chaises, carts, and carts. Finding a craftsman in the village is now quite difficult. Therefore, they will be happy to turn to you for a good-quality and reliable horse-drawn carriage, and they will also recommend you to their neighbors. Nowadays, many farmers keep horses, preferring to travel for household needs in a carriage, since this is a more economical transport than a car.

The manufacture of custom-made carriages is also in demand among collectors. But here you need to take into account that they are asking to create a copy of a specific historical thing. You will have to strictly follow the sketches, drawings, using a magnifying glass to study existing photographs or images in books. Such orders are, of course, very expensive. But they also require significant costs. At the same time, collectors ask to use original, sometimes only authentic, materials. Therefore, it will not be possible to save on consumable raw materials.

Workshop

It’s clear that you won’t be able to run a business in a garage. You need a workshop with a warehouse. You can rent a small industrial building for these purposes. Place the necessary equipment and devices in it. Equip a place for storing materials and workpieces. And don't forget about fire safety. You will work with flammable and flammable materials. You will be calmer if the room is equipped with an exhaust hood and a fire extinguishing system.

Staff

As mentioned above, you should understand the stages of making carriages, and not only understand the technology, but also be able to work with your hands.

But even if you are an expert in this matter, you will still need help. You can produce complex, high-value orders. But apprentices are quite capable of handling the simple chaises and carts that farmers need.

This way you increase the productivity of your enterprise.

How to build a carriage with your own hands

Now let's take a closer look at the technological aspects. Of course, modern carts are very different from their ancestors. If you make carriages exactly as they did several centuries ago, then tourists or newlyweds are unlikely to be satisfied with a ride in a horse-drawn carriage. There was quite a bit of shaking in the wooden boxes.

Therefore, modern craftsmen largely follow the automotive industry. Technologies familiar to motorists are in use here: disc brakes, shock absorbers, springs. These mechanisms make the trip more comfortable and safe.

The body is made of lightweight materials.

The general diagram of how to make a carriage looks something like this:

• the components of the future product are cut out of moisture-resistant plywood;
• Windows and doors are cut out on appropriate blanks;
• then the body is assembled (make sure that all parts are securely attached to each other);
• the racks are fastened with bolts, the shaped parts are carefully aligned;
• after the body is ready, the frame is made (a glued panel is suitable for it);
• then the driver's seat and the rear step are installed;
• the frame is ready, you need to make doors and windows;
• after that, proceed to interior and exterior decoration;
• For upholstery, use materials used in the production of upholstered furniture, a stapler.

Of course, the technology and stages may change slightly. It all depends on whether you are doing an open or closed carriage.

And the appearance can vary greatly. So, you can order very non-standard models. For example, be prepared to create a carriage in the shape of a pumpkin, just like in the Cinderella fairy tales. If you take on an order for a collector, then you need to follow all the subtleties of the technology used in a particular era. Here it will be necessary to study historical chronicles, books, and research by specialists.

About wheels

Wheels for carriages can and should be made using modern technologies. In the city, it is not very convenient to move on asphalt on traditional wooden wheels. Most often, lightweight versions equipped with tires are used. Their ride is softer, and the horse will be less tired of pulling the cart.

Although in some cases you may be asked to make wooden wheels. But keep in mind that this process is labor-intensive. This statement is especially true for the manufacture of an axle. Therefore, many craftsmen try to purchase ready-made blanks whenever possible.

Profitable or not?

So is carriage manufacturing profitable or not? To answer this question, let's do the math. We will enter all expenses in one column.

This will include the purchase of materials, equipment, tools, building rental, and the cost of paying taxes. Let's enter our income in another column. The simplest britzka or cart costs about 5 thousand dollars. But more impressive carriages, intended for holiday or tourist trips, are much more expensive.

Here the countdown starts from 10 or 12 thousand dollars. The cost of collectibles jumps to several hundred thousand dollars. One good craftsman with experience and skillful hands is quite capable of making two or three carriages per month. So you will have a profit.

But these calculations are true only if there are potential, or better yet, regular customers. Therefore, your first priority should be the task of finding those who will need your crews.

Horses are versatile farm animals that help their owners cultivate the land and transport goods outside the village. In the latter case, in addition to the horse, a special carriage on wheels, popularly called a “cart,” must be used. Together with the animal, it becomes a horse-drawn vehicle and can be used for movement on public roads. It is for this reason that it will be useful for every farmer to learn about the features of independently creating such a structure.

Scope of use of the cart

The structure of a horse-drawn cart and its design features directly depend on the purpose of using the finished product. For example, to transport people on public roads, you will have to install comfortable benches and handles inside the cart, and reflectors outside. The sides of this design must be quite high to protect passengers from dust and stones flying from under the wheels of passing cars.

If the cart is used only for transporting hay or straw, then its base can be made of lumber, without much concern for the strength of the structure. A good option in this case would be well-dried deciduous trees (not coniferous ones). For transportation of large and heavy loads, carts with a strong frame and a metal base mounted on strong wheel supports are suitable. When constructing such a structure, you can use almost any raw material, the main thing is that it meets all the strength requirements.

In some cases, horses can be harnessed to carts intended for horseback riding around the city. Of course, in such situations, the appearance of the structure plays an important role in the choice, so it is advisable that all elements of the cart be made only from high-quality wood that has undergone appropriate processing.

Did you know?If you believe the statements of historians, then the first horse appeared about 60 million years ago and weighed only 5 kg with a height of 35 cm. It was this horse that zoologists called Eohippus.

Plastic is also considered a good decorative material, which can complement the overall look or focus on specific elements of the cart. Separately, we can highlight carts used to harness horses in winter. Unlike standard wheeled versions, they do not have axles, but this does not prevent them from reaching speeds of about 6 km/h.

Types of horse carts

"Cart" or "cart" are common names for horse-drawn vehicles with four wheels. They are usually harnessed to horses, but sometimes mules, buffaloes and oxen are used. Most often, the main material for the manufacture of this type of transport is wood, and often the entire structure is placed on the same wooden wheels.

Carts with rubber pneumatic wheels and a shaft harness are a more modern version of carts, the load capacity of which is approximately 750 kg. The weight of the cart itself can vary between 250–300 kg, because a lot depends on the specific type of structure. The main varieties are considered to be the following.

Trolley - a specially equipped cart for transporting people. Its design initially provides seats for passengers and the driver, and can also use handles installed on the inside of the sides for greater safety for passengers when moving. The wheels of the trolleys are made only from pneumatic tires, since they also have to ride on hard road surfaces.

This term is usually understood as a long cart, the front and rear parts of which are connected by long longitudinal boards or beams, with metal sheets laid transversely on them. Drogs do not have a body and in the old days were used as funeral chariots to transport the bodies of the dead to the burial place. Today, this version of the cart is excellent for transporting large loads, including haystacks, of course, if the owner secures them correctly on the surface.

This type of cart is most often used to transport heavy loads. Its body is made in the form of a solid wooden base, on which the load is placed, securing it if necessary. The shelf platform can be made of durable wood: in the longitudinal direction, the boards are laid very close to each other, and on the sides they are fastened with transverse, shorter wooden elements. It is advisable to install the entire structure on a strong metal frame with good shock absorption, and use rubber inflatable tires in the form of wheels.

The carriage is a closed passenger carriage, the design of which includes springs. It can be single-axle (two-wheeled) or biaxial (four-wheeled), more or less mobile, which affects maneuverability. Other distinguishing characteristics between these species include:

• differences in structural stability;
• capacity of the body part;
• spring type;
• load capacity.

Based on the type of harness, crews are equipped with a drawbar or shafts. Wooden elements can be used as wheels, but they are more typical for small excursion carriages on the territory of private historical museums, and more convenient rubber wheels are installed on other carts.

Important!Always calculate in advance the approximate weight of the goods being transported in the future, which will help you select the most suitable materials for making the cart.

How to make a horse cart with your own hands

Different types of carts are easy to find in the public domain, but not all farmers are willing to pay thousands of rubles for them. It is much more profitable to make them yourself, especially if you already have “home construction” skills.

Dimensions and drawings

In the simplest version, a horse-drawn cart will consist of an axle, a frame and attachments of the required size. As for the parameters of the finished product, everything is purely individual and depends on the purpose of the future vehicle. For short trips and transportation of crops, a total length of 2.85–3 m is sufficient, with a width of the hinged part of 1.46 m and an axle width of 1 m. The optimal height of the cart is 1 m, but it is important to take into account the size of the horse and the purpose of using the cart. An approximate diagram of such a product may look like this:

Materials and tools for work

Not all farmers have the opportunity to process wood in various ways, therefore, to make the task easier, it is better to prepare in advance metal wheel axles, a welded frame and two pairs of tires (along with rims) from any car as a wheelbase. Additionally, in addition to these, you will also need:

• wooden boards (preferably hardwood);
• metal pipes or profile;
• hammer;
• nails;
• metal corners;
• welding machine and accessories;
• tools for working with wood.

You can also prepare a screwdriver and long self-tapping screws, with which you can better secure the parts at the joints.

Important! When choosing metal corners, give preference to large and thick products, at least 5 mm thick.

Stages of production

The manufacturing process of each individual cart has a number of features and, depending on the materials used, involves completely different actions. However, the general stages of creating a design with finished car tires will look like this:

1. Manufacturing of chassis: wheel axles and a durable frame base. It is desirable that these components be completely metal, made of a pipe or profile.
2. Creation of a fixed rear and movable front axles, attached to a thick metal pin using washers.
3. Making a special mount for the drawbar(if you need a drawbar harness). The shafts (long wooden beams or iron pipes) must move in different directions, simultaneously connecting to the front axle. This possibility is provided by the fastening mechanism.
4. Additional fixation of shafts using brackets and their reinforcement with cords(a wire attached to the shaft and the front axle of the cart is perfect for this element).
5. Wheel installation(you just need to “put” the prepared car wheels on the existing base and secure them with suitable bolts).
6. Creating the base of the cart (body part). Sections of the required length are cut from the prepared boards, after which they are knocked together into a solid platform and attached to the frame. If the cart needs sides, then you can make 4 longitudinal poles on the right side, and attach longitudinal slats on top of them. Solid sidewalls are fixed on the supporting frame, and the back and front parts are closed with removable parts, which will make the process of controlling the harness more convenient.

Video: how to make a horse cart with your own hands

How to harness a horse to a cart

Properly making a cart is only half of the successful completion of the task, because in order to cope with the transportation of people or cargo, you also need to harness the horse correctly.

Did you know? Horses have a very well developed sense of touch, and the most “sensitive” organs in this regard are the lips and hooves. With their help, animals perfectly navigate the terrain.

Typically, this process is not particularly complex and its nuances depend more on the type of specific structure, but, in general, The owner needs to focus on the following steps:

1. Preparing and cleaning the animal itself, monitoring the condition of individual components of the harness: the horse must be completely healthy, and all harnesses and connecting elements must be strong and intact (even the slightest abrasions on the belts can cause unforeseen problems on the road).
2. Adjusting the length and aligning the tugs(if you do not pay due attention to this issue, the harness will bend and the accuracy of the cart's movement will be impaired).
3. Harness set. The underbelly and midriff, connected to a single ring, must be secured to the shaft.
4. Horse outfit. Put a collar, a bridle and a nurse on it, only so that the latter is secured at the bottom of the withers (when placed on the back it will be very low, and at the withers it will be too high). Place the collar on the horse, only so that it is first positioned with the pincers facing up, and then it can be lowered onto the neck and turned over as needed (straighten the part if necessary). Now stretch the harness over your neck and straighten it just as well. Connect all existing straps with suitable buckles, tightening them until there is only room for the palm of your hand between these elements and the ischial tuberosities.
5. Putting a horse into a shaft, which can be done in different ways. In the simplest version, the animal needs to step over the pole, but if it refuses to do this, then you can try to lead the horse backwards. Some individuals react warily to this maneuver, so if both options are unsuccessful, all that remains is to roll the shafts onto the standing animal. The last option is most suitable for shy and young individuals.
6. Arc fastening. Take the product and stand in front of the horse, looking exactly at it. Place the bow against the animal's right leg, and then adjust the length of the tug by twisting it. Place it next to the edge of the shaft, then insert the left edge of the arc into the loop of the tug. The second one needs to be thrown over the shaft and secured so that it comes out fixed in the cutout of the arc, which, in turn, has already taken its place on the horse’s neck. Now go to the second shaft and turn the arc with the notch towards it. Place the tug on the shaft and the loop on the bow. Tighten the clamp well and wrap the soup around the pliers: after connection, they should be placed at right angles to each other.
7. Final activities. When the horse is already tied to the left shaft, all that remains is to throw the reins around the animal’s neck, attach the lanyard to the tug (only so that the horse can freely raise its head) and throw the straps over the shafts so that they are securely fixed and do not dangle. The final touch is attaching the reins and bit.

Video: how to harness a horse to a cart

With diligence and hard work, there is nothing difficult in making a cart yourself, and you just need to select the most suitable materials, choose wheels and spend a little personal time, the reward for which will be a relatively cheap cart.