The Roadster
Bird-in-Hand Carriages

The Roadster

The popular Bird-in-Hand Roadster is a front entry cart rather than one with a rear entry, something many people prefer for easy accessibility. It features an adjustable seat, which can be moved back and front to achieve better balance. A two-wheeled cart is considered somewhat safer for beginners than a four-wheeled vehicle. The Roadster’s uses are for show, training, pleasure driving, and combined driving events. 

Available in sizes to fit 13 to 18 hh
Approx. 300 lbs.

Included in Base Price:

  • Wooden body slats
  • Box under seat
  • Painted hubcaps
  • Double seat
  • Shifting rail seat
  • Patent leather on shafts
  • Wooden shafts with steel heel
  • Toe Rail
  • Plain vinyl or imitation cord upholstery 
  • Wooden wheels
BIH Roadster painted in bold yellow & black.
BIH Mini Roadster
BIH Pony Roadster
The first ever pleasure driving show for both the five-year-old Haflinger mare, Fantastic, and this brand new Bird-in-Hand Roadster is at the Bucks County Horse Park in Revere, Pennsylvania. The perfectly matched horse and carriage belong to Joe and Kathy Meyer of Meadow Wind Farm in Bernville. Whip Amie Bauman drives this lovely combination with the gold pinstriping on the black roadster creating an elegant picture. (Driver is Amie Bauman - Photograph by Stephen Crowers - Purchased in 2012 from Carriage Machine Shop)
In her brand new Bird-in-Hand Roadster, Judy Portmann of Hopeland Farms practices for the Pleasure Show in Tryon, North Carolina. She was pleased to be able to order her Roadster with exactly the right options and accessories to fit her needs in Combined Driving and Pleasure Shows. Judy's 16-year-old Morgan gelding, Webbie, is a fun horse to be around. A-once-in-a-lifetime horse! (Photo by Sara Wampole - Purchased from Country Carriages USA in Columbus, NC)
With the help of Bruce Hild, the staff at Carriage Machine, and Weaver Martin of Shady Lane Wagons in New Holland, Pennsylvania, a number of special modifications were incorporated into Lindy Hil's Bird-in-Hand Roadster. The spindle seat was raised to better show off the design and is equipped with an extra adjustment. Special steps, handgrips, and lamp brackets combine with the Birds-eye maple and chocolate-colored paint to make this a beautifully customized carriage. Lindy Hild, from Stephens City, Virginia, and DC Dagney, her Norwegian Fjord Horse, take part in the September 2014 dressage test at the Glen Willow CDE in Avondale, Pennsylvania. "This cart always gets admiration for its beauty and how well it complements my Norwegian Fjord mare. It drives nicely, rides comfortably, and its quality can't be beat. We receive high marks and many compliments on how well the turnout goes together. LOVE this cart!" - Lindy Hild Driver is Lindy Hild - Photograph by PICS OF YOU - Purchased in 2011 or 2012 from Carriage Machine Shop
Mike Keatley goes on a summertime drive along the shores of Firestone Lake on the Walthour-Moss Foundation, a sanctuary in the sand hills of NC. His Half Arabian Horse Bert is driven to his Bird-in-Hand Roadster. (Driver is Mike Keatley - Photograph by Sarah Baker)
Lindy Hild's beautiful Bird-in-Hand Roadster with bird's-eye maple spindle seat performs well around the cones course at the 2013 Glen Willow CDE in Avondale, PA. She is driving DC Dagney, her 11-year-old Norwegian Fjord Horse mare. "I just love my cart. I got several nice compliments at Glen Willow about how lovely it looks." (Driver is Lindy Hild - Photograph by PICS OF YOU - Purchased from Shady Lane Wagons, New Holland, Pennsylvania)
Karla Mayne in a BIH Roadster
Lindy Hild's beautiful Bird-in-Hand Roadster with bird's-eye maple spindle seat performs well around the cones course at the 2013 Glen Willow CDE in Avondale, PA. She is driving DC Dagney, her 11-year-old Norwegian Fjord Horse mare. "I just love my cart. I got several nice compliments at Glen Willow about how lovely it looks." (Driver is Lindy Hild - Photograph by PICS OF YOU - Purchased from Shady Lane Wagons, New Holland, Pennsylvania)