I have used a Zilco single harness for three years. As I was new to the sport and couldn't afford to but two sets at the time I bought it with brass hardware. I have used it for training, presentation, and marathon.
It is not as easy to clean as stated. A shower rinse off does not do it. I have found soaking in warm water in a mild detergent helps, but scrubbing with a brush is needed. The hard plastic of the blinders needs careful cleaning as it scratches.
The brass, while it did help with my needed dual purpose, has not held up. Some parts were only brass coated. They now have gone mostly silver and my harness looks two toned.
I bought a Halter with special buckles to be used under the bridle in marathon. The design is great, but the black synthetic material is cracking now and the white cloth shows through.
I constantly have to use black sharpie marker to recolor the white filling that shows through where I have had to make additional holes, or where the ends are showing wear.
It will mold unless hung to dry when it is damp. (I put mine away in a plastic tub after a CDE and forgot about it once)
Bottom line.
It is great for training and marathon.
I would never recommend getting brass or trying to use it dual purpose. ( I don't think they do brass now..must have realized the wear off problem) I got by with it at training level when it was new...it helped original owner, Tarah Baker was presentation judge once! But it hasn't stayed as pretty with age as a well cared for leather harness does.
I replaced the breast collar with a leather full collar for a better angle of draft for hitching to the lower singletree of my puddlejumper.
I did not like the stiffness of the synthetic reins, and switched to leather as they are more supple.
Zilco is cut very plain.
I have heard Smuckers has a new line of synthetic cut on the same pattern as their leather harness.
Hope this helps.
Julie Burchstead
On Aug 14, 2005, at 1:13 PM, LBurke3456@xxxxxxx wrote:
We are due to purchase a new pair harness and would like to get synthetic this time. We have a single harness by Camptown Harness which is fine but would like some input from those who have used harness made by other manufacturers. ie: Tedman, Ideal, Zilco, etc..
Thanks!
Mick and Nilda
NY
