[drivingpairs] Pole length

In a message dated 1/6/2003 11:17:37 PM Pacific Standard Time, 
ecartis@xxxxxxxxxxxxx writes:

> pole length
> From: Robyn Cuffey <robyn@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> 
> 
> I drive a pair of Standardbred mares in an Eagle and am still trying to 
> figure out the best pole length. They have a very long stride so that if 
> I try to get them close, thinking hazards, I worry that they will hit 
> the wheel, which they have. If I snug up my breeching to stop the 
> carriage sooner and do any real mileage they end up with rubs. I use my 
> brake a lot to keep the wheels away from their feet. Is the Eagle wider 
> then the steel marathon carriages?
> Thoughts?
> 

A marathon carriage is 125 cm wide. I don't know how wide the Eagle is, but 
assume it's wider, but that width does not make much difference, you can hit 
wheels either way with the hind feet, IF you have them hitched too close and 
/ or IF you don't have a proper brake and / or IF you don't use it properly. 
So until you have proper brakes and learn to use them properly, if you are 
hitting wheels often move the horses out further, e.g. lengthen your traces 
and shorten the pole straps, and if you pole is too short, then get a longer 
pole. Also unless you have that already anyhow, I suggest you use a yoke in 
front. But if it only happens rarely that a hind foot touches a wheel,  that 
does happen, but usually only at a full gallopp completely stretched out, not 
at a regular trot.
Good luck and best regards
Hardy


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