We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Vehicles

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Barouche?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 11,056
Share

A barouche is a type of carriage that is designed for use with pairs of horses. This design was extremely fashionable through the late 19th century and usually was regarded as a fancy carriage for formal occasions, especially in the summer. With the advent of the automobile, barouches are relatively rare, but they still are used in some regions of the world and on special occasions. High-quality barouches can be very costly because the best ones are made and decorated by hand.

Several things distinguish a barouche from other carriages. Like many carriages designed for groups of passengers and pairs driving, a barouche has four wheels. The carriage also has two bench seats that face each other, with passengers usually stepping up into the space between them to enter the carriage. The driver sits outside on a separate box, which might or might not be sheltered.

Collapsible Top

The top of a barouche is really what sets it apart, because it is collapsible, making the barouche into a hooded carriage that can be used in a variety of weather conditions. Most people prefer to ride in this type of carriage with the top down, enjoying warm and pleasant summer weather and showcasing elegant garments. In inclement weather, however, the top could be brought up for shelter, making the four-wheeled carriage more snug and pleasant to ride in, although the top does not entirely enclose the barouche.

Other Details of Construction

This fashionable carriage is most reliable on roads that are somewhat smooth, because rough roads and ruts could potentially break axles or make the ride rather uncomfortable. Early versions of the carriage had very primitive suspension systems that probably communicated every bump in the road to the passengers, although modern barouches usually are constructed with more advanced technology. As is the case with many formal carriages, there usually is a great deal of brass, woodwork and leather on a barouche and its harness, which must be kept shining and in good order.

Difficult to Drive

Driving a barouche well requires some skill because it uses a pair or multiple pairs of horses. The more pairs, the higher the implied social status of the carriage's owner or riders and the more challenging it is to manage. Pairs of horses are of the same breed and size, so that they complement each other, and many people prefer to drive matched pairs with similar coloration as well. Coordinating the horses during a ride is demanding, and it suggests a high level of patience and concentration on the part of the driver.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-barouche.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.