Horse-drawn Carriage

The horse-drawn carriage is a vehicle pulled by either one horse or a team of horses. They have two or four wheels and a body that can support passengers, cargo, or both. They were the primary means of overland travel, though that is being replaced by mechanized trains and cars.
Most carriages are pulled by heavy warmbloods, though many lighter carriages can be pulled by ponies, donkeys, and light riding horses. In the cities, cobs are popular for their low maintenance and hardiness. Among the upper class, it is fashionable to have a team of identical horses known as a matched pair. Grey is the most common color due to it being the easiest to match, and some owners will paint white markings on their horses to make them identical.
The primary difference between two-wheeled and four-wheeled carriages is stability. With a two-wheeled carriage, weight is distributed over the axle and stabilized by the shafts attached to the horse's harness. The shafts must be fixed to the carriage's body. In a four-wheeled carriage, the weight of the body is distributed evenly over both axles, and the shafts or central pole can be hinged. This allows them to move with the horse's movement and not affect the body of the carriage. There are also different ways to harness a horse to a carriage. With a single horse or multiple horses pulling in a single line, two shafts are attached to either side of the rearmost horse. Two horses pulling in a single line is a tandem arrangement. Two horses can also be arranged standing abreast and is known as a pair. There, a central pole runs between both horses and attaches in front of the wheels. Multiple pairs of horses are known as a team.

Types of Carriages

Brougham

The Brougham was created by Brougham Coachbuilders as an alternative to larger and more elaborate coaches. They were affordable to the growing middle class, and the simpler design made them less of a target to thieves. Eventually, they started to replace cabs as for-hire carriages. There is also a larger variant pulled by two horses that seats four passengers.

Buckboard

In rural areas, the buckboard is a popular form of personal transportation. The name comes from the wooden board which extends over the animal's hind legs to prevent bucking. It was originally designed to be pulled by either a pony or mule, though newer buckboards are meant to be pulled by two horses. Despite originating in Astoria, they are now most common in Petrek and northern Samoir.

Buggy

The buggy is the most common form of personal transport. The four-wheeled design and low sprung body provide stability and comfort for the passenger. It requires little maintenance or skill to drive, and its low cost makes it affordable to all but the lowest class. A single small horse or pony can pull it easily making it a popular choice with women. The buggy is suitable for both urban and country driving.

Cabriolet

They are also known as a cab and were developed in Samoir in the early 4000s. By 4600, cabs were the primary mode of transportation for the middle class and dominated the for-hire carriage market. It has a light frame and foldable hood suitable for all weather. Additionally, the horse can be driven either by a driver standing at the back or by the passenger.

Calash

Calash is the general term for a series of carriages which started out having two wheels and seating four passengers and a driver. Later, a foldable top was added. A lighter version called a chaise (image shown) keeps the two-wheeled design but only seat two passengers. There is also a four-wheeled design called a barouche which seats four passengers and is pulled by two horses.

Cart

Most common in rural areas, carts are the primary form of transportation outside of big cities. They're versatile, inexpensive, and easily repaired at home. Carts can be pulled by a single horse or pony. Related to carts are wagons which have four wheels and typically pulled by one or two draught horses. Wagons are typically much larger than carts and used to haul goods long distances.

Jaunting Car

Often shortened down to just car, the jaunting car is a light-weight pleasure vehicle associated with the middle class. It's named for the horse's brisk jaunting step and bouncy ride. It originates in Samoir, though it is most popular in Losan and Etra. In Verona, a longer variant of the car is used to transport tourists to monasteries and churches. It is pulled by two horses, and the passengers sit facing outwards.

Phaeton

Phaetons are known for being fast, flashy, and popular with the upper class. The lightly sprung body is comfortable to ride in, and the foldable top allows for use in all weather. There are several variations for different uses. Spider phaetons are designed for two people and pulled by a single horse. Among men, they are the popular choice for phaeton racing. The mail phaeton has a lower body and less extravagant wheels and is used for long distance travel. The name comes from the use of mail springs which are better suited for supporting heavier loads.

Stagecoach

The stagecoach has been the dominant form of public transportation for a thousand years. They continue to see use in areas outside the railroad's reach, but there is steady decline in popularity. A stagecoach can carry up to ten passengers, light luggage, and a driver. In 4620, Elliott Brothers Carriagebuilders resdesigned and improved the suspension on stagecoaches. Trains, however, had already proved to be faster and safer than coaches.

Vaughn

The vaughn originates in Retland where the suspended chassis allows for smoother travel over rough terrain. It was originally called a Karlsavogn after the inventor, Heinrik Karlsa. They were introduced to Samoir by Princess Arne in 4351 and renamed to vaughn. Though they have largely fallen out of use in Astoria and Samoir, vaughns remain popular among upper class women in Verona.

Rarity

Common

Speed

Up to 15 mph