[drivingpairs] Re: pairs/ slober bars

 
In a message dated 12/20/2006 11:04:14 P.M. Pacific Standard Time,  
ecartis@xxxxxxxxxxxxx writes:


Ok,  here is the solution to the problem of horses getting  their
liverpoolbitshanks hooked up at each others reins or bridles  (very
dangerous, as they can rip off their bridles). For that reason many  pair
bits used to have metal "slobber bars" at the bottom, which connects  the bit
shanks, so they can't hock up the end of the shanks on each other,  BUT, that
creates a new problem. The slobber bar gets hooked up on stuff,  like on the
pole crab for example, and when they then pull back in panic,  they rib off
the bridle too. So also very dangerous. 


Something else to consider when using slobber bars on your  bits:  If you are 
driving a pair with a yoke and you happen to use a clevis  hook (draft type 
harness), DON'T use a slobber bar- it can get hooked in the  clevis.  BEEN 
THERE, DONE THAT don't want to repeat it!  We were  turning out into traffic, 
at 
night, during rush hour, on one of my  commercial jobs at Xmas time in downtown 
Los Angeles.  Horse got slobber  bar caught in clevis - guess what?  No 
control, as the horse's head is now  attached to his chest and starting to 
panic!  
It wasn't easy to unhook in a  hurry.  Just something to also keep in mind...
 
 
Patricia M. Demers
Carpe Diem Farm Hackney Horse and Sport  equines
Lancaster, CA

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