[drivingpairs] Re: pole query

I classify poles as 3 "types".

Fixed poles are just that, in a fixed position so they only move up and down
when the vehicle goes through a dip or a bump. I think most of these use a
crab attachment at the front. A neck yoke could pull on the horses necks
when the front of the vehicle is lower than the back, and hit the horses in
the neck or head when the back of the vehicle is lower than the front. So,
going down the road and driving through a small dip will first make the pole
end drop, then rise. The crab with connecting straps or chains to the horses
will prevent this.

The sprung pole helps to solve some of these problems. The spring should
hold the weight off of the horses necks. The pole should still be able to
rotate up when the front of the vehicle hits a dip. In really rough going,
this should keep the pole from plowing into the ground.

Drop poles are just that. When nothing is holding them up(usually the
horses), they drop to the ground. With this type, you use a neck yoke to
hold the pole up. It is free to swivel up and down as far as needed when
going in any type of terrain. Thus, it should always stay at the same height
relative to the front of the horses. It also provides the best choice for
braking and backing if you are not using breeching.

In the very simplest explanation, delayed steering on a vehicle lets the
horses start to turn before the front wheels start turning. It allows for
tighter corners for a pair (or 4-in-hand). The mechanism allows the pole to
move a limited amount from center when turning, while holding it centered
while moving straight ahead.

Don


_________________________________________________________
To Unsubscribe, change to Digest or Vacation mode go to: 
http://www.drivingpairs.com/dpmem.html
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````

Other related posts: