The carriage was a popular mode of transport for centuries. It was not just a means of transport, but often a symbol of status and social status as well. Throughout history, many changes were made to the design and construction of carriages. These changes were based on practical needs and changing fashions. In the 1800s, the carriage began to lose favor to steam-powered vehicles. However, in some areas of the world, carriages and coaches are still a common form of transportation for tourists and for day-to-day local use.
A carriage has many parts that must be arranged to work properly. The chassis supports the body and is the framework that connects all of the other parts together. It is a framework of metal and wood that supports the wheels, axles, springs and other mechanisms. It is a complex system that must be constructed so the carriage can run smoothly and safely.
There are several types of wheels for carriages. Some are fixed while others have a pivot point. The pivot point allows the front wheel to turn more sharply than the wheel on the outside of the turn. This type of steering is called Ackermann steering and was an important innovation that was introduced in the 18th century. This type of wheel also reduced the amount of force needed to drive a carriage and allowed it to be driven up slopes.
The axles support the wheels and are connected by a shaft. The shaft is usually made of a steel rod or bar that is attached to the fore axle tree or splinter bar above it. The shaft is then connected to the rear axle by a pole or rod known as a reach. The reach is sometimes connected to the backstay or to a catch or block known as a trigger.
Training a horse to pull an oversized load like a carriage is difficult and time-consuming. The horse must endure the daily exposure to traffic noise and pollution, the pounding of hard pavement and long hours of work in hot weather. Moreover, these animals are sensitive and skittish. They can easily be spooked, leading to accidents that hurt both people and horses.
In noisy, vehicle-cluttered cities, a carriage ride can be a step back in time and an opportunity to appreciate the skills of these majestic and dependable animals. However, these days, people who ride in carriages tend to see them as quaint reminders of a past that has been replaced by faster and more modern modes of transport. This attitude ignores the fact that driving a horse-drawn carriage is actually very cruel to these wonderful creatures. The demands of the job impose a great deal of stress on the animal and shorten its life. It is a shame to make such a beautiful creature suffer. This book will be of interest to veterinary and equine studies students, to owners and breeders, and to anyone who is interested in learning more about the anatomy of one of the most beautiful and versatile of all animals.