The carriage · Comparison

Lightweight carriage versus traditional carriage: the comparison

Before deciding, here's what really changes between a conventional single-axle carriage and the Coche de Caballos Navarro.

Comparison of weight, materials and use

Feature Traditional single-axle carriage Coche de Caballos Navarro
Unladen weight 220–400 kg 65 kg
Structure Wood, often with wooden or imitation wheels Stainless steel and laminated aluminium
Suspension Steel leaf springs or standard suspension Kevlar leaf springs in a polyester matrix, adjustable per passenger
Wheels Wood or imitation wood, rigid Sourced from trial motorcycles, deform without failing
Transport Generally not collapsible; requires a trailer or dedicated space Fully disassembles with a single tool; fits in a van or horse trailer
Recommended terrain Flat road, exhibition, urban riding Mountain, sand, long-distance trail riding
Typical use Tourist rides, traditional driving, exhibition Owner's own adventure crossings, with their own horse

Why 150-300 kg of difference matters so much

65 kg 220–400 kg

A horse pulling a 300 kg carriage spends a large part of its effort moving the carriage itself, before it even moves the passengers. Cutting that structural mass by a quarter frees up traction capacity to cover more distance, with more elevation gain, and with less accumulated fatigue by the end of the day.

See the full welfare argument, with the physics of traction

Why a traditional carriage can't climb a mountain slope

A carriage built for flat roads isn't designed for steep slopes, deep sand or dense forest: the weight of its own structure, its rigid wheels and the lack of adapted suspension make it a risk, both for the horse and for the passengers, outside of an urban or exhibition setting.

See real crossings made with the Navarro

If you already know you need an adventure carriage,
request your quote.

If you'd rather first understand how these numbers are built,
go to the technology page,
or go back to the carriage overview.