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Outlook North West |
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Extract from December 2007
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BACK TO THE FUTURE: THE CHARIOT GETS A NEW LEASE OF LIFE One man’s vision of a fun and safe horsedrawn vehicle combined with the expertise of
Lancaster University’s Engineering Department has resulted in the
Saddlechariot. A vehicle so simple to operate it was said that
even our PR & Communications Adviser could drive it. So he did. Mike Ashton is no Ben Hur, but If he can ride one anyone can. Here he goes back to the future and looks at one Member’s driving ambition.
Inventors
invariably come with a passion for their creations. Simon Mulholland
is perhaps slightly more passionate than most. When his
daughter received a pony -
too big for a miniature yet too small to ride - he set out to
build a safe, simple vehicle designed for an adult to be able to drive.
Several years and several versions later, the result is the Saddlechariot,
and Simon's pony (called Henry when he's behaving) is now a star in his own
right having completed so many demonstrations. Of course
there always comes a point in a product's development when some outside help
is useful. So, having established the workability of the basic design he
approached the Product Development Unit of Lancaster University's Engineering
Department, who performed a detailed analysis of the strength of the chassis
and recommended improvements to bring it up to modern vehicle (not horse
drawn vehicle) safety factors. They also turned the prototype automatic
vehicle removal system into a compact, smooth, easy to manufacture,
production version. Safety has
always been a primary objective for Simon, and the Saddlecharriot
boasts a Instant Exit, Instant Vehicle Removal
system. Quite simply You step off, 8" back and 8" down, easily,
safely and even at speed while retaining full control of the pony, (assuming
you ever had it). One pull of the instant release rein, and the vehicle is
released from the pony. So "If you, or the pony, are worried, step off,
releasing the Saddlechariot." A 12 word instruction manual. Simon is
fulsome in his praise for Lancaster University. He says "One of the best
kept secrets of the Government Business Support Industry is that there is
actual, real, useful help available. In seven years of existence we have
approached dozens of organisations set up
specifically to help small businesses, all of whom have explained all the
insurmountable reasons why we don’t actually qualify. "Lancaster
University on the other hand has provided genuinely helpful help, under the
Virtual Prototyping Project with funding from the European Regional Development
Fund. Dr. Allan Rennie and Stuart Taylor have
provided the detailed engineering know-how and independent assessment I so
desperately needed. “I have
only scratched the surface of what Lancaster University has to offer the
local community, but know now that this is a business support scheme that
does exactly what it says on the box." Anyone
can drive one and to prove the point, Simon is in the process of developing a
version that will be able to take a wheelchair user, potentially expanding
his market and bringing a whole new world of equine excitement to the less-abled. Despite
some cynicism from an equine industry steeped in tradition, Saddlechariot is
selling. Orders have come in from all over the world, but as Simon points out
he isn't competing with established practices but creating a new fun way for
people to enjoy horses. He has also invested effort to make sure that the
horses themselves enjoy their role, having designed a unique equine-friendly,
bit-less harness. Whilst Saddlechariots
are undoubtedly fun, they also have an industrious side, with the ability to
attach a range of off the shelf implements such as rakes and spreaders. Recent
deliveries have been made to USA, the Falkland Islands, Brittany and Normandy including two
Saddlechariots with a leisure operator on Utah Beach of D Day infamy. Many
veterans return every year and if Simon can give pony drawn wheelchair access
to the Veterans, he will be delighted. So, the
Saddlechariot has been launched on an unsuspecting world, and with two
versions in production, the wheelchair model may well prove to be the break
needed to step up a gear. Meanwhile Simon and Henry continue their round of
demonstrations, entertaining audiences wherever they go.
To
arrange a demonstration or for further information contact: Simon Mulholland on 01768 351380
saddlechariot@naturaldriving.com www.saddlechariot.com
Lancaster
University Engineering Department can be contacted on 01524 594298 or email
a.rennie@lancaster.ac.uk |
Mike Ashton is no Ben Hur, but If he can ride one anyone can. Here he goes back
to the future and looks at one Member’s driving ambition.
Ably aided by Henry, Simon Mulholland - Mr Saddlechariot
himself - in demonstration mode.
Project Engineer Stuart Taylor
explains the science behind the design
The
wheelchair version. A rapidly developing prototype being tested by Lancaster
University’s Stuart Taylor.
Computer
screen capture of part of the Saddlechariot’s stress
testing. Hi-tech development behind the design.
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© Country Land and Business
Association 2007 For more information contact Mike Ashton MCIJ DipCAM PR & Communications Adviser North Country Land and Business Association Lane Farmhouse Crooklands Milnthorpe Cumbria LA7
7NH t: 015395
67597 f: 015395
67956 e:
mike.ashton@cla.org.uk |
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