Cross Check Ring

DAPNET Forums Archive › Forums › Draft Animal Power › Horses › Cross Check Ring

Viewing 7 posts - 1 through 7 (of 7 total)
  • Author
    Posts
  • January 8, 2009 at 11:17 am #40037
    Does’ Leap
    Participant

    Can anyone explain the purpose and necessity of the ring that encompasses the cross-check lines (between the hames and the bridles)? I use it out of habit not being sure what it does.

    Thanks.

    George

    January 8, 2009 at 6:25 pm #48865
    Joshua Kingsley
    Participant

    I was told once by my uncle that the ring between the hames and bridles was used to keep the lines together. I’m not shure if that is it’s true function or not. Good question though and I look forward to others answers.
    Josh

    January 9, 2009 at 1:59 am #48864
    Donn Hewes
    Keymaster

    I have been told different things by different people. Someone said it helped keep the lines from getting hooked on the end of the tongue. I have worked with friends that used them, but I haven’t used one in 15 years. Donn

    January 9, 2009 at 11:02 am #48866
    LStone
    Participant

    When I first started my team together I ran one for a short while. But I leave it home now. Not that I am any wiser or smarter, it’s just that little things in bundles contribute to simplifying my life on a larger scale. I can see how it would prevent tangling with the tongue like Donn said. I’m thinking it is probably just a preference thing.

    January 21, 2009 at 3:25 pm #48861
    Carl Russell
    Moderator

    I have used one for many years, and after reading this thread, I took it off to see if my theory was right. I was told that it helped to even the tension, and to take the slack out of the cross check as the horses move independently.

    I found that to be exactly the case. I drove them for several days like that, and although I didn’t notice any significant detriment to not having it there, I could see the lines slacking and shifting in their angle toward the mouths.

    Again, I saw not detriment, but I decided to return the ring because I have grown accustomed to the effect that it has on line tension and evening.

    Carl

    January 21, 2009 at 5:27 pm #48863
    Does’ Leap
    Participant

    Interesting Carl. I got rid of my ring reading no definitive answers as to its benefit. I did notice a difference but couldn’t articulate what it was. Reading your reply makes sense. I am going back with the ring!

    Thanks to all for the input.

    January 22, 2009 at 2:59 am #48862
    Plowboy
    Participant

    We almost always use them. Carl said it all. It just seems to work better and keeps everything in place and looks neater too!

  • Author
    Posts
Viewing 7 posts - 1 through 7 (of 7 total)
  • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.