The development of the horse drawn buggy was an important step in the world of equestrian transport. These light vehicles were easy to handle and that made them suitable for Victorian gentlemen to drive without the need of a coach driver. They could also be used by ladies who would often ride out in their buggies and meet friends for drives around municipal parks.

A buggy refers to a light two-person vehicle with two or four wheels. In the UK these were usually called carriages but the term buggy became popular in the US and spread to the UK. In the US they would also be called roadsters to refer to their popular use as regular driving vehicles for everyday use.

One of the most popular designs was the Concord with its sprung suspension and low sides. Simply attached to the horse by two sidebars it was an affordable means of transport. Throughout the 19th century these carriages became increasingly popular and a variety of models appeared. During the Great Depression of the 1930s there was a revival of the horse drawn buggy as both the car and petrol was unaffordable during this period.

The simplest style of buggy was called a dogcart but because fashion trends in vehicles were just as bewildering as they are for cars today, hundreds of designs and styles arose during the 1900s. In France, the dos-a-dos, which literally means back-to-back, was a buggy for 2 or 4 passengers who sat with their backs to each other. One of the passengers at the front would drive the buggy. It was this style of buggy that became the prototype for some of the earliest automobiles.
Buggies make a popular choice of hire carriage as they can easily accommodate two passengers with a driver up front. They are light and comfortable and can be used for a trip to a special event. They are also ideal for anyone who is opting to learn how to drive carriages as the simplicity makes them ideal for a beginner wishing to learn about carriage, horse and harness.

Several companies hire out a variety of buggies and will have a vehicle suitable for your chosen occasion. A buggy ride at Christmas can be a fun alternative to taking the car into town for shopping. It can make a romantic proposal a memorable event or a retirement gift to a loved one. Why not organise a family lunch to celebrate a golden anniversary and transport the couple to the event in a horse drawn buggy carriage? This can be the start of a really special day and also forms the perfect backdrop for photographs and videos.

Do bear in mind the inclement British weather! Not all buggies have hoods. However, many of the modern reproductions come with hoods that can be quickly raised to protect the passengers from precipitation. For weddings they can usually be decorated with ribbons and flowers. Your chosen horse drawn hire company will be able to arrange all the specifics for you.