[drivingpairs] Question about quick release shackles?
- From: "MARGARET TOWNSEND" <namgo@xxxxxxx>
- To: "drivingpairs" <drivingpairs@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Mon, 6 Nov 2006 11:53:21 -0700
Greetings to all!
I decided to ask this question on the driving pairs list, as it is most
applicable to driving my pair...
First, though, I'd like to say what an extraordinary learning experience it
was to have a clinic lesson with Hardy Zantke in Albuquerque a bit over a week
ago. I went away from the lesson-indeed, the entire two days of both auditing
others', and having my own lesson, with SUCH enthusiasm and renewed resolve! My
sincere appreciation to Hardy-what a gentleman, and what a driver!(With
appreciation, also, to Karon, the organizer who made it all happen!)
I was able to buy a Glinkowski 'Mini Mix' marathon vehicle last May, but due
to a whole series of impediments, had not gotten to hook and drive until the
last two weeks before the clinic. I realize that I REALLY need some quick
release shackles, for both the traces and the pole straps,at least.I drive
Miniature horses; my pair are 32" and 34", weighing around 240 and 270 lbs;
with only me on board, they are pulling around 420 lbs., give or take. I will
NOT be doing 'big time' CDE-type events; just wanted a vehicle that would be
'up to' trail driving and modest, "fun" ADT-type events. I had saved an
internet site-Annapolis Performance Sailing. On that site, there are several
choices. I am presuming that for the traces, I could use closed bail swivel
quick release snap shackles, as they can just slip onto the "pigtail"
singletree ends--right? What I am looking at for the traces is a Wichard, small
bail, with a working strength of 2425 lb./1100 kg, and a breaking strength of
3350 lb./1500 kg.--is this adequate for my size of horses/load? For the pole
straps, I am looking at one where the 'bail' opens up-they just call it a
'swivel shackle'-so that it can be attached to the D rings on the
breastcollars. There are two possibilities, made by Ronstan, on the APS
site--one has a working load of 1650 lb./750 kg,breaking strength of 3310
lb/1500 kg, and is 2 27/32" long overall; the larger version has a working load
of 2430 lb./1100 kg., and a breaking strength of 4850 lb./2200 kg., and is 3
3/4" long. I know nothing about how to 'estimate' a working load, etc., but my
logic is that I would be fine with the Wichard as listed, and with the smaller
version of the Ronstan, for my size horses and vehicle? Am I correct in
assuming that for the pole straps, the shackle is 'left' attached to the D
rings on the breast collar? I feel I would be using an 'overlarge/overlong'
shackle for my small guys if I have to get shackles with a 3/4" ID bail in
order to buckle the pole straps through the bails(such shackles are nearly 4"
long!)....as it is, I *think* I will be having to either find someone local who
can properly put another slot in my 'beta' traces, or, get some trace adapters
AND put a hole in the traces, so that I do not have to buy new traces-they are
buckle-in, and once Hardy adjusted them to a proper position, they were on the
shortest adjustment, both at the breastcollars and at the doubletrees--adding
the length of snap shackles means I need to 'shorten' somewhere else, to
maintain the proper overall length--am I right? I am in the process of getting
'hip hanger' straps instead of the breeching, as the little Glinkowski has
(hydraulic) brakes on the rear wheels-also gullet straps for my small-eared
guys-plus trying to come up with a solution other than buying entire new ones
for the traces, if possible. I have contacted the McKees and am also poised to
order a couple of whips of proper length, for my pair and my singles.
Gosh, this is SUCH fun!! I started only with miniature breed ring showing,
and feel as if I am just now "learning to live"!
I will appreciate the response of you longtimers here---
With thanks,
Margo Cox-Townsend
in currently GORGEOUS New Mexico, where after being terribly ill all last
weekend, I am again 'among the living',and am soon headed out to
drive!!!
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