Light carriages are a type of horse-drawn vehicle that were popular in the 18th and 19th centuries. The term 'light carriages' can refer to two specific types of vehicles: shays and gigs. Shays are two-wheeled, open-top carriages that were used for short trips and leisurely rides. Gigs are four-wheeled, closed-top carriages that were used for longer journeys. Both shays and gigs were light and easy to maneuver, making them popular among travelers.