[drivingpairs] Re: Pairs Harness

Joyann,

At first glance this seems to be a simple question. However, there are lots 
of variables to be considered. You don't say what type of harness you have 
been using. I'm going to guess that you have been using "draft" type, rather 
than "buggy" type. I can see where this would look pretty heavy on the 
Minis.

Since harness and harnessing is the system (or method) of most efficiently 
connecting the horse(s) to the load, you need to determine what to use based 
on that load. Minis are usually asked to pull proportionally harder to pull 
loads than are larger horses. A vehicle can only be so light and still be 
safe from collapse or breaking. A driver adds the same amount of weight to 
the load no matter what they are driving. Smaller vehicles have smaller 
wheels which create higher rolling resistance (more load). Angle of draft 
can have a big effect on pulling power needed. These are just some of the 
things to think about!

The pole pulls both kinds of collars sideways as it swings. I personally 
feel that there is less impact on the horse when using a neck collar. Breast 
collars have a heavy ring in the middle of the front to hook the neck yoke 
to. The swing of the pole tends to make the breast collar slid sideways 
across (rub) the horses chest.

If I were driving minis, I would look for a "lighter" buggy type collar for 
them. I also would try for the best draft angle I could get. Those two 
things will go a long way to making it as easy as possible for them to 
handle the load.

Don Hayes     Keep driving!


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