I found that the girth on Paisano’s harness finally fits Vinnie. He must have filled out. In fact, I measured him today and he is 13.1 hands. He HAS grown! I moved the harness over to the new barn and tried it all on Vin, then ground drove him yesterday. Pam came by just as we were finishing up, so she snapped a few photos and took a short video in his paddock.
I also spent a bit of time sanding down the cart. I removed the seat and backrest. That took some use of a small sledge (one of my favorite tools) and a hacksaw, along with drilling out rusted screws. My wonderful husband was able to remove the bolt holding on the singletree too, so now the frame is entirely stripped down. The only downside to the day was that the rust treatment I had saved from painting my trailer would not come out of the can, despite much shaking, swapping out spray tips, soaking them in mineral spirits and anything else I could think of. I might have to use something else. It’s too bad, as this stuff worked really well.
I also stopped in at a local bicycle shop to see about new wheels. All they had were ultralight, single thickness, alloy rim wheels. I think that I need something a bit more sturdy than that. And less expensive! I guess it’s back to the web to search for heavy duty, inexpensive 26″ wheels.
I'll have to make new seat and backrest. These are destroyed. I want to make the back taller and the seat a little deeper anyway.
And lastly, in preparation, Vinnie had his teeth done today. He had a few points, but otherwise a good bite. I asked how many caps he has left to loose. When Dr. C counted, he found that Vinne has one less tooth than normal in each row! It’s consistent on both sides top and bottom. It does not hurt his mouth or chewing at all. He was just born that way. Paisano’s teeth were done as well, but we didn’t think to count them. I’ll definitely ask about Lily’s when she has them done in December. Spanish Mustangs sometimes have one less rib and a missing or fused lumbar vertebrae. I wonder how many have four less teeth!
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He looks great Simrat and I really enjoyed watching your session with him. I think he would make someone a fine pony. I have got to get Destiny started but am finding it hard at this time of year to get in a decent ride on Rico. We have plans to have Destiny trained to a cart so I appreciate you sharing your experience. I think you are doing a great job!
Thanks, Christi!
I know what you mean about motivation. It’s getting dark here by 7 pm these days and lots of days, it’s raining too.
Tonight I got in a great ride on Vin! A couple of ladies in the neighborhood were leaving on a ride just as I got the barn. I saddled Vin up and worked him a bit around the pastures. He has a great trot.
I hadn’t planned it, but I ended up taking him down the road and met up with them. I met Laura, who lives across the street from my new barn. She was on her 2 year old, so another green bean. We ride the local gravel roads until after dark. What fun! Vinnie was a champ. 
Yea for Vinnie!
Simrat, call McKenzie or Danielle Bowerman at Willamette Mountain Mercantile to ask if they have or can get the wheels you want. They have an entire scrap yard of used, donated bicycles that they use for parts. They may have exactly what you want at a fraction of the cost! 782-1800 http://www.mtnmercantile.com/
I will call them. Thanks!
Bike tires generally are not designed for the lateral stresses and overall weights cart tires must face and are not recommended for driving. Have you talked to the folks at Frontier Easy Entry carts? They sell cart tires independently, as does American Cart and Harness in Grant’s Pass.
I have talked to the folks in Grants Pass. They didn’t have anything.
I will check with Frontier. Where are they located?
My other option is to have some wheels built with extra heavy gauge spokes and strong rims. I would love to have wooden wheels, but I’m going to wait for a new cart for that. This one is not worth putting that sort of money into. I would be better to just save for a new cart.
Nice to have you visiting, Leia, since you drive and know about it.
You must be pretty good with your hands if you can do all that. It’ll be great fun driving Vinnie and getting out in the world with him. Fun!