Bennington Carriages Newsletter

The Dastardly Drive June 07

“ Hector the Highland” takes a well earned break on the biennial round Devon cliff tops drive. A splendid weekend pleasure event run by the Great western Harness club unsurprisingly attracted outfits from all over Southern England; it was made even more enjoyable by champagne provided by landowner David Rogers to drivers as they passed. The 6 miles long cliff top carriage drive was built by Lord Revelstoke in 1890’s has special walls around bends so horses can’t look directly down steepest cliffs.

Owner driver Jonathan Mathys said the ‘super fun bug’ with lots of modifications, brakes etc gave confidence on hair-raising 100 foot drops to the sea. It’s straight running (lack of turntable) and easy to jump out design was just what was needed. Groom Andrea said it was a comfortable ride but deep muddy tracks and river crossings threw up a lots of mud, water, fish, seaweed... etc.





NEW FROM BENNINGTON IN 2007


During the winter months and as the New Year approaches we at Bennington, research, develop, create and design ready for the season ahead. Gathering information, investing in time and money, listening to drivers and solving problems allows us to continue manufacturing the most technologically advanced, highest quality carriages.

Continually progressing and developing, we have just purchased a numerically computer controlled (CNC) lathe for our vastly expanding, increasingly technological workshop. The lathe is computer controlled so that when the cutting tools are programmed and applied, components are produced. The Bennington engineers have completed their training and are utilising the machine for many applications, Including hubs and axles.


Every individual department of Bennington Carriages plays a huge role in the design and manufacture of each individual Bennington. Not only is the workshop and engineering department advancing, but the powder coating, woodworking, assembly and upholstery departments also. Recently a computer-aided sewing machine was added to the upholstery department enabling a greater variety of fabrics and techniques to be used. From early 2007 a detachable hood will be available for the Fun Bug. Currently researching the latest waterproof fabrics, designing and creating prototypes, the hood is eagerly awaited.


The popularity and craze for the Fun Bug is continually growing, with drivers wanting to get more and more from their carriage. Always listening to our customers we are catering for their requests. Disc brakes can now be added as an optional extra (£495.00 inc. VAT) so any terrain doesn’t restrict the carriage. Going down hills the brakes can be used taking some pressure off the horse. The disc brakes we have used for the Fun Bug are the same as on our high-end competition vehicles. During 2007 we shall continue to utilise and combine processes, components and techniques and provide solutions for our customers.

 



By appointment to
HRH Duke of Edinburgh
Carriage Builder
Artistic Iron Products Ltd,
Newark
Royal Warrants
are a mark of recognition to companies who have regularly supplied goods or services for at least five years to certain goods or services for at least five years to certain members of the Royal Family. They have alwyas been regarded as a mark of excellence and quality and are highly prized. Warrants are regularly reviewed and may be cancelled at any time. We are very proud that we have held the Royal Warrant by appointment to HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, as Carriage Builder since 1979


HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh at Farleigh . Driving his Bennington Pony Team Marathon Carriage

Prince Philip at Catton

The Duke has been carriage driving since 1971, competing in his first national competition in 1973 and continues to drive today. He has won two team gold medals at World Championships and the four in the hand individual title at Windsor. The most recent event the Duke could be seen competing at was Farleigh Horse Driving Trials (June 06 - results below) driving his Bennington Pony Team Marathon Carriage.

"Superb Service" - Mick Peace
On the Friday of Farleigh, Mick Peace unfortunately broke a spring whilst driving his 1994 Bennington Horse Pairs carriage on exercise. Rising to the challenge the Bennington team made a new spring within 4 hours. despatched the same day on Interlink overnight carrier it arrived Saturday morning. At 8.30am the spring was delivered, fitted and Mick was on his way to the marathon. All the efforts were put to excellent use as Mike had a storming marathon, winning the phase and taking overall Horse Pairs class title.


The Bennington Team


Ready for the 2007 season?
Here at Bennington Carriages we have all you require for the new carriage driving season.
Known for our carriages, we are perhaps lesser known for advising on and supplying all spares and accessories. There are products for all disciplines and drivers, DVDs and videos, whips, driving bits, V-Bandz hi-visibility clothing, carriage banners, driving gloves, FEI driving cones and aprons, to name but a few. The full range of Tedman and Zilco harness is available, with items happily swapped out if different sizes are required.
Getting organised...
Our website is constantly being updated, with all of our carriages, accessories, spares and latest products included. Always striving to source the very best in equestrian products NEW this year include, from Germany, the Eskadron range of fly fringes, also the Belstane range of portable storage products, which are suitable for both yard and lorry.


Bennington's Monthly Top 4
This month... Videos / DVDs
'Between the Shafts'
Ideal for the newcomer, BDS Instructional video / DVD
'Bit by Bit'
Schooling tips for the driving horse with Clare Wigmore and Di Hayes
'Breaking to Harness'
Invaluable step by step guide to safely training a horse to harness
'Doubling Up'
Instructional video / DVD for pairs driving
All of the above are available to order from Bennington
Click below to view
Videos / DVDs

Fun Bug lands Stateside!
The first batch of Bennington Fun Bugs have been shipped over to the USA. From Connecticut to South Carolina, the Fun bug is taking the States by storm!

NEWS
The option to have the Fun Bug made to 125cm, which would comply with the Indoor Driving Trials rules, is now available at no extra charge.






 
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