Types of horse sleds and how to make them yourself

The sleigh is the oldest type of vehicle. Due to its low cost and the ability to make one yourself, ancestors used it year-round. It served not only as a means of transportation but also played a role in rituals. Nowadays, sleighs are used more for recreational purposes.

What are the purposes for which a horse sleigh might be needed?

Sleds have always been considered a hallmark of a true Russian winter. While the device has undergone some changes, it remains useful in the presence of snow. Today, sleds can be found:

• when celebrating the New Year;
• on Maslenitsa;
• as attractions in amusement parks.

In remote corners of Russia, where infrastructure is poorly developed, you can still find horses harnessed to sleighs. They serve as a means of transport and cargo. It's also common for travel companies to use sleighs in their work. Short-distance sleigh rides have been developed.

To sum it up, we can say that a sled is a universal device that serves:

• means of transportation;
• an object of entertainment and profit.

Types of horse sleighs

There are several types of sleds. Classification is based on several criteria. By purpose:

• Running. This is a lightweight device that is used as a training device for trotting horse breeds.
  
• Cart. A closed sleigh with a seat and backrest.
  
• Drags. They can be called cargo poles. These are poles tied to a horse. A load is placed on them. When moving, the poles drag along the ground.
  
• Firewood. A sleigh without a body.
  
• Sledges. Wide but low.
  
• Chunki. Sleds for transporting large volumes of cargo.
  
• City. Two- or single-person sleds. They are lightweight and tall. The runners are narrow.
  
• European. An improved version that includes a braking system.
  
• With low runners. The most stable, but can only be used in areas where the snow is well packed.
  
• With high runners. Poor stability on smooth surfaces. They are used in areas where bumps and uneven snow-covered roads are prevalent.
  
• Ukhonsky. An insulated version of the sled. Wide, covered with thick fabric at the top.
  

Based on the material:

• metal;
• wooden;
• plastic.

Nowadays, all of the above materials are used in combination when making sleds. This results in a more reliable and cost-effective product.

Tips for choosing

When choosing a sled, the first thing you need to decide is what the device will be used for. Next, consider:

• the material from which the sled is made;
• components;
• presence or absence of a seat;
• design of runners.

This will determine the weight of the cart. A light and flimsy sled won't be suitable for carrying cargo.

When purchasing or making a cart from wood, give preference to oak, willow, birch or bird cherry.

Places to buy a horse sleigh

You can purchase ready-made horse sleighs at specialized retailers. There's no set price. Prices vary depending on the specifics of the model (material, runner type, etc.). Prices start at 5,000 rubles and can reach up to 80,000 rubles.

You can purchase new carts:

• the masters have a ready-made model or a custom order;
• in online stores - here you will find the largest selection.

Sleighs are available for rent in resort towns dominated by mountains and beautiful scenery. The average rental price is 20,000 rubles, including a horse.

Making your own horse sleigh

You can make a horse sleigh yourself, but it's a labor-intensive process and requires certain skills. When getting started, the first thing you need to do is gather the materials you'll be using, gather your tools, and create a blueprint.

Selection of materials

The first step in making your own sled is choosing the material for the runners. There are several options:

• Tree. It should be prepared and processed.
• Metal. The material needs to be forged (it is better to use the services of a professional).

Once the material has been selected and prepared, you will need:

• metal pipes;
• plywood sheet;
• corner (can be replaced with a metal profile);
• paint or varnish;
• boards;
• metal sheets;
• drawing;
• tools that are more convenient to work with.

Detailed instructions with drawings

Before assembly, draw a sketch of the sleigh with a horse and make a blueprint. The diagram is based on the dimensions of the carriage. The width of the runners is directly related to the road, and the spread should match the track. The height of the sleigh is determined by the breed of horse, its size, and the track height.

For an average-sized animal, the following indicators are taken:

• length – 1.8 m;
• width – 1.25 m;
• height – 0.3 m;
• width between runners – 0.8 m.

A general drawing of a wooden horse sleigh with a metal strip on the runners:

You can start with the runners, but experts advise beginners to work backwards and make the seat first:

1. Select boards.
2. Prepare the material and treat it to avoid splinters.
3. Cut out seats from the boards to the size that suits you best.
4. Make grooves for fastening with runners.

The next and final stage of making a horse sled is the runners. This is the most difficult part of constructing this device.

If you've chosen metal as the material, choose stainless steel. The runners should be forged and flat. It's impossible to shape them yourself; you'll need help.

Wooden runners are made as follows:

1. Make a pattern and transfer it onto the wood.
2. Cut out the runners. Use a jigsaw as you work.
3. Clean up the edges of the cut runners. You will need a sanding machine.

Fasten the runners together:

1. Attach additional planks to the runners and secure them with round-shaped dowels that have glue on them (this step is only relevant when making large sleds).
2. Use a drill and drill blind holes in the centers of the round crossbars. Drill holes in the runners as well. Attach the crossbars with dowels.
3. Attach a metal sheet (it is better to use aluminum - it is lighter) to the bottom of the runners using screws.

Next, secure the runners and seat using dowels. There should be a 5-millimeter gap between the components when fastened.

Video instructions for making a horse sleigh:

Exercises for accustoming a horse to a sleigh

A farmer who acquires a sleigh won't be able to harness a horse to a cart right away. The animal will become frightened and won't allow the owner with the sleigh to approach. Getting a horse used to the sleigh should be done gradually and with extreme care.

How to train a horse to ride in a sleigh:

1. Walk around the cart with the animal several times. You can place something in it that will interest the horse: hay, harness, or a bow. This will help it explore the new object.
2. After the introduction, move the sleigh back and forth. The main thing is to attract the horse's attention.
3. Begin leading the horse into the shafts, toward the sleigh. Food will help make the task easier, as the animal will be drawn toward it. It's best to encourage the horse to enter on its own. Over time, it will become accustomed to the narrow space of the shafts.
4. Show the horse that there will be a person in the sleigh in the future. Sit in the carriage and stay close to the sleigh at all times. This will prevent the horse from being frightened by the vibrations emanating from the sleigh while riding with a passenger.
5. Secure the horse's reins and gently roll the shafts and sled onto the horse. Touch the poles to parts of the animal's body. This procedure helps teach the horse not to be afraid of the sled's movements from behind.
6. Hold the shaft in your hands so the horse can see it. Move to a safe distance. Lift it 50 cm and throw it. Be aware that the horse may be startled. This will help the horse get used to the shaft falling.
7. Repeat the previous step, but this time raise the shaft higher. Continue this training until the horse gets used to the sound of the fall.

Features of horse-drawn sleigh rides

Horse-drawn sleigh rides pose no particular danger to passengers, so there are no specific rules. The key is to harness the horse correctly. If the harnessing process is successful, all passengers need to do is hold tightly to the sides of the carriage.

Drivers should exercise caution when turning corners or stopping. Sudden movements can disturb passengers.

How to properly harness a horse to a sleigh?

Harnessing a horse to a sleigh is not difficult, but to ensure the safety of passengers, it is recommended to follow a certain procedure. It is as follows:

1. Place the bridle on the horse. Warm the bit in your hand. This will help prevent damage to the horse's mouth.
2. Hold the harness in your left hand and the animal's neck in your right. Keep your other hand steady to keep the saddle in place.
3. Adjust the harness. It should sit evenly on the horse's body.
4. Tighten the girth. Make sure it doesn't put too much pressure on the belly.
5. Place the collar over your head.
6. Lead the horse into the shafts. Secure it to the seat loop and attach the bow.
7. Tighten the belt on the clamp.
8. Check the correctness of the operations performed and how the arch is secured (the animal should be comfortable).
9. Fasten the sleigh to the bridle.

Today, sleighs continue to be used as a means of transportation. For some, a carriage is a daily necessity, while for others, it's a form of entertainment. While you can make one yourself, it requires knowledge and skill. Sometimes, you might need the help of an experienced craftsman.

Frequently Asked Questions