Sue Freidvald
Posted on June 18, 2009 by Richard
Sue Freivald of Virginia sent this picture that really makes you think about why we drive.
While this isn’t the best picture in the world, it demonstrates why I bought the pony lite. The lady in the back on the right has advanced multiple sclerosis. She cannot hold her upper body upright without her arms being braced and is of course wheelchair bound. We were able to put a ramp to the back of the Pony Lite and roll her wheel chair up so that the gal on the left could do a stand-pivot-sit with her–the back and sides of the seat provided good support (I padded the metal on the back of the carriage) and we used soft lead ropes tied across to give her further arm support so that she could sit upright. Meg (in red) used her leg across the back opening just as a bit of added insurance. We were able to take this lady out for a delightful drive around the hay fields and through the woods. The carriage is well sprung and comfortable, and the center of gravity is low making it very stable. The lady with MS never stopped smiling. It was a gift for all of us.
The pneumatic tires add some cushioning to the ride, however since I do mostly cross country stuff and over some fairly rough terrain, my new carriage will have the steel wheels. Just my personal paranoia. I also drive alone most of the time and worry about all the tires in my life . . . care tires, bike tires, carriage tires . . . so decided to go with the steel wheels. I have heard absolutely no complaints about the pneumatics (not allowed in competition, however) and Paul Maye trains with the Kutzmanns and pneumatic wheels. You have an excellent product to promote.
Sue
Here is another picture fron Sue Freidvald. She is taking a lesson with Olaf Nyby with her Fijord Vern hitched to a Pony Fox.
