Pairs driving question

[Debbie]

When you drive ponies as pairs, do they always have to go in the same configuration..... ie Fred is always on the left, George is always on the right? Or can you switch them?

Is there a difference in wear on the harness if they are always in the same position??

[dollylanedales]

You always manage to think of interesting questions, Debbie!!

I don't drive pairs - although it is out aim!! I have a friend who drives both pairs and a team, of Haflingers. I have often helped him harness them up at events, and they always go in the same position, althoug personally I think they would be capable of being put anywhere. I do know that he puts the novice, or younger horse nearest the footpath, or away from the traffic, to get them more confident.

As to wear on the harness, I would not think it should wear any more than the single horse's harness .....

I know when my friend drives his team, he makes sure the lazy horses are leaders - if they were the wheelers (at the back) they would make sure the leaders did the work, while they sat back!!

I do know one thing - its a lot of harness to carry when you are harnessing pairs, and a nightmare with a team!!!

[PonyGirl]

When Pete and Bob are driven Pete has his side and Bob has his. They don't change. Pete is always on the left. He is taller. His prior driver said that is where he has been. You can't get him to hook up on the right.

Don't know any different. I am still on my learners permit to drive.

[Debbie]

You always manage to think of interesting questions, Debbie!!

My mum said the same thing repeatedly when I was growing up....only not quite so nicely. Inquiring minds want to know.... LOL

Thanks for letting me know 'from the trenches'. I must say I've wondered about this for quite sometime. Seems to be much like anything else to do with a horse or pony....they'll quickly stick to a routine if given the chance.

That was intriguing to know about the lazy ones being put in the front, and not wheel position!!! I didn't know that at all, but it does make sense.

So then, do the leaders take more weight as they're pulling? About all I know of the wheelers, is that they need to take the weight of the wagon going downhill....but that's the extent of my knowledge.

What a good idea to team a youngster next to an old hand, away from the traffic.... a lovely way for them to get the idea without being too exposed to scary stuffs.

[dollylanedales]

Yes, Debbie, the leaders, or even one of them, if its keen enough, can end up doing a lot more work than some of the others. Roy keeps a close eye on his pairs and team, and makes sure they all do their fair share!!

[Debbie]

Yikes! So one horse or pony could end up doing the work for four then? I can see why the drivers would want to keep a close eye on their teams to be sure all are pulling their fair share.

[clara]

I drove my rather poor pair last year and found that changing sides was both good and bad. It cured some habits but on the whole at first confused them untill they re oriented themselves to that side.