If you want a still-fairly modestly-priced SHOW cart, you probably should consider Graber first.I believe that Graber makes a 'regular' size and a 'smaller' size, where all dimensions are smaller--even the seat, and shaft length--you can find out by talking with the folks at Graber(they do not have a website, but an address and phone no. for them can be easily found if you search); Kateland Farm is a dealer of their vehicles, too, I think.
If you are going to show in Country, or the 'new' Western Pleasure' driving, you could be just fine with one of the several wooden wheeled EE or road cart type carts being offered by several different makers, IMO. Pequea Carriage, Country Carriage(their carts are built by brothers named Stoltzfus), Silver Penny, are three that come to mind. Many of the Amish builders don't have websites, but diligent searching will likely turn up someone who owns one, and can share information on where/how they got them.By and large, these carts are about comparable with the Grabers in price, and in some cases, probably less(they come in various styles; some more expensive than others.) I have read that Diamond D/Double Diamond(?) is also now building a cart 'similar'(?) to the Jerald, but I don't know anything about them? I should add that you need to be careful about 'unknown' makers; I know someone who bought a Jerald knockoff through one of the east coast mini tack companies, and it is a disaster--unbalanced, poor finish, and worst of all, the axle SAGGED with the weight of the driver(a male, but not one of extreme size/weight)!!
The above-described kinds of carts WILL be heavier in weight than a Jerald or Graber, but not extremely so.(For instance, my Pequea road cart, the top-of-the-line model w/cloth upholstery and a spares box, weighs only about 110 lbs., whereas the Jeralds, as I recall, are around 90-95 lbs.) I PERSONALLY believe that the day is coming when carts like the Pacific Smart Cart, the Bellcrown Mini-Crown, and the Bennington Minicart will be accepted(for Country pleasure), even in the breed show ring....these are carts that can be fully utilized both in AND out of the show ring, and with the advances that are now being made in reducing weight while creating a vehicle that is sturdy, handsome, and manueuverable, I feel that time is steadily approaching!! JMHO....
Margo
