2009 Wilson Creek Spring Plowing Bee – a zillion photos

Forgot to mention that your pictures were great Grey. Thanks it’s always nice to see photos of working horses and mules in different regions.

@J-L 7568 wrote:

Another story on the “Yankee Britchen”. Some people in the west called it Mormon Britchen as well. It’s fairly common around UT, WY, ID.
One story I heard was it came into more common use around here while the Mormons were hauling stone from the the quarry down into the Salt Lake Valley to build their temple. Apparently it was a more practical set up with heavy loads and steep grades. I’m sure it came with some of them from back east when they migrated.
It does a good job holding back loads on a down hill grade. It’ll push the hind feet down somewhat for better traction vs. the box britchen. Although I use my box britchen a lot on a down hill, you have to have it adjusted right or it’s hard on your animals. Whether they’re mule or horse doesn’t matter.
I have a set of Yankee/Mormon britchen harness, but it’s spotted and pretty so it doesn’t see a lot of everyday use. My old box britchen harness is used every day. When it wears out I think I’ll get a plain set of Yankee britchen harness for everyday use.

I’ve often wondered if Mormon/Yankee britchen might be related to the Basket britchen used on a lot of D-ring harness’. Both B.Young and J.Smith were Vermonters.

You may be right Ira. I didn’t know for sure where those guys came from, I thought New York. It would be interesting to know for sure about the harness’ origins.