[drivingpairs] Even more questions!

In a message dated 2/23/2006 11:07:09 PM Pacific Standard Time, 
ecartis@xxxxxxxxxxxxx writes:

> My question is-are these vehicles required to be backed when in 
> competition-and if they are, how is this accomplished, without breeching?
> 

I think I answered that a little while ago in my longer post about the use or 
lack of breeching in multiples. Quite simple: When the pair (or wheelers) 
back with or without breeching, they pull the front end of the pole backwards 
through the polestraps (or chains). With breeching that pull is then 
transferred 
to the breeching (if it's adjusted tight enough, which mostly it isn't), and 
without breeching that pull from the polestrap is then transferred to the top 
of the neck, either through a full collar, or through the neck strap on a 
breastcollar, and actually, if you watch closely, that's happening mostly even 
when 
people do have breeching, as most beechings on pairs and fours are not 
adjusted tightly enough to really get into full action on the reinback. Large 
horses 
with regular carriages are quite capable of backing that way the few steps in 
a dressage arena, unless it's deep mud and a very heavy vehicle, BUT with 
VSE's that might be a different story, as there the vehicle in relationship to 
the animal is much heavier, AND for them the footing is much deeper and the 
wheels are much smaller.  So what's ok without any problems for full size 
horses 
under average carriage driving conditions might not be ok for VSE's. I am not a 
VSE driver, so I don't know the correct answer here, which then certanly also 
ties in with the previous post. So for that matter perhaps you VSE folks 
might even want to leave your rule requiring breeching in any case as is ?  
Hardy

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