History - Pony Phaeton

Coach House

In the grand, two-storey Coach House, a display of historic carriages sits, looking out over the land they used to roam. One of the most common carriages of its time is the pony phaeton with its English forecarriage. The phaeton was reasonably common because of its affordability and easy access for riders.

As the bodywork has no complex bends or angles, it was quite simple to build, and having a low middle step made it easy to enter. The pony phaeton became well known as the carriage for older or inform drivers for this reason. They are a bit unusual to drive as the driver sits in the rear seat and the passengers sit in the front seat facing backwards. The reins are held above the passenger’s head by going over the high rein rail attached to the front seat back. The reins also need to be about 2 metres longer than normal to reach the back seat. A steady pony was also needed.

The Phaeton pictured is a little unusual in having a solid front seat and a spindled rear seat. Most times both seats would be matching, this may be original or one of the seats may have been changed some time in its life. This vehicle has been made to suit a larger pony as the wheel size is in the upper end for a pony phaeton. The history of this vehicle is unknown as it was donated to the Estate with no prior knowledge given.