I have a wonderfully comfortable betathane harness from Zimmermans with hundreds of miles on it. Not as expensive as some of the "big" houses, cleans up quick and easy - sometimes in the sweaty summer months, I leave it on my horse and hose both off together - and they custom make to order. The saddle DOES have a tree which is a must. I have added quick release tugs.
I drive a HyperBike because it is light, stable and enormously comfortable. I keep a bicycle computer on it so I have distance for each drive, time and odometer, as well as a clock on it. I am on my second bike computer, but between the two, I have over 700 miles on the HyperBike in 2 years. I am not a youngster, and have had my fair share of injuries, but I have learned that once one develops a technique for entry and exit, it is quite simple and non-lifethreatening. The important thing is that one has taught the horse to stand. I tend to put right leg over, then left and organize myself standing in front of the seat. Once I sit, my horses are ready to go, but by then, so am I!
I do have an easy entry cart. It might have 50 miles on it - mostly in the ring. We don't spend much time in the ring.
I joined our state-wide Combined Driving club: Arizona Driving and Carriage Society. I drive the HyperBike all three phases in their AZ Driving Trials. These are closer to one-day driving events for ADS than their ADTs, which apparently take place in arenas. Our events are not in arenas at all, other than the dressage, and also have a marathon for the hazards. We also have rated judges: Hardy Zantke is our judge for our next event. I haven't been dinged for driving the HyperBike in these events, although I have had judges look at it and question. One judge gave me an 8 in our presentation because she felt the overall impression was very good: suitability of cart to horse, attire to cart all well matched. She gave out a single 9 - also to a VSE - because it was "exactly what was expected." All other turnouts were given a 7 or below.
