A buggy needs a different horse than a field. Fast, light, unafraid of cars.
Standardbred
Retired harness racing horses — ideal for buggies. Fast (up to 35 km/h at trot), enduring, accustomed to noise and people. Amish buy retired racers for $500-2,000 — cheaper than raising.
Training
Buggy habituation: 2-4 weeks. Traffic habituation: 1-2 months. Taught gradually — quiet roads first, then busy. Horse must stand calmly beside a truck at a traffic light.
Safety
Orange triangle on buggy rear (law). Lanterns and reflectors for night. Horse in blinders — not startled by side movement. Maximum buggy speed: 15-20 km/h. On highways — shoulder.
Fact
Buggy accidents are a serious problem. 200-300 per year in Pennsylvania. Main cause — cars don't expect a slow buggy around a corner. Amish lobby for 'Caution: Buggies' signs.