You're quite right. I don't like my beautiful old Meadowbrook cart because it scares me to death. I'm probably fine with Twist, the OT Standardbred, because he's a very solid citizen, but that cart could be dangerous in any kind on an "incident" and it's not easy to get in and out of.
I'm thinking a very utilitarian easy entry cart. American Cart and Harness, which is very close to us has one I can live with. http://www.horsecart.com/carts.html As for Zilco, I am a lifelong leather purist, but have switched to Zilco bridle and breastplate for endurance and trail riding. The horses are comfortable and it's easy to keep clean and is not bothered by nasty weather. I even have colors, blasphemy of blasphemy Nancy, Southern Oregon
