Regal Mini Sulkies are balanced so that the driver's weight slightly lifts the dog in its harness. Because a dog with less weight on its paws pulls more easily, dogs are able to cart in a Mini more often and less strenuously than they can in other carts. The balance of the Mini is adjusted by loosening wing nuts and sliding the seat backward or forward. The further back the seat is fixed, the less weight rests on your dog's feet. When going downhill, the driver naturally tends to lean back, which shifts their center of gravity backwards and counter-acts the tendency of the point to push down on the dog. A driver leaning back at 45 degrees shifts their centre of gravity to 16.5cm (6 1/2") behind the axle, increasing uplift by over three times. When going uphill, the Mini tends to increase the lift on the dog as the upward tilting of the cart moves its combined center of gravity backwards. Again, the driver naturally leans forward, and this is just what is required to restore the balance to near its original setting.

The two 'A-arms' which form the Minis' suspension are a design unique to our products. They free each wheel to move up and down independently, allowing you to ride over gutters and rough ground smoothly. Where rigid-frame carts will tip alarmingly when one wheel rides over a bump, the Mini is superbly stable: the shock aborber absorbs the vertical movement, and the driver need only lean a little in order to remain balanced.

In the following video clips the suspension systems of Regal Mini Sulkies are put through their paces. As you can see, our star carting dog Bo the Bouvier des Flandres pulls his young driver over the obstacles without breaking stride or experiencing any discomfort—and just as importantly, the driver remains securely seated regardless of the uneven ride.

• Millennium Mini Curb Test
• City Mini Curb Test

Please note each clip is a 1MB MPEG file which will play in Quicktime (free download here).

Without the intimidating sensation of being surrounded by a pair of shafts, novice dogs often feel comfortable enough to pull forward and run in their Mini Sulky on their first attempt. Tight turns are a breeze in a Mini Sulky, as your dog can pivot left or right without the fear of being poked in the side by shaft tips.

Your dog can be harnessed to the dorsal hitch of a Mini Sulky quickly and effortlessly. The snap hook on the point simply clips to a hasp on the top of your dog's harness, and you're ready to ride. Excellent quality harness (pictured in the strip of photos on the left, in red and cream) from TZ Lites in California, USA, features sturdy padding beneath the hitching point to ensure your dog's back is protected under all circumstances.