Carts harnessed to horses were invented by man for fast movement and transportation of goods. One or more horses could be harnessed to this wagon. Since then, there has been such a thing as a harness horse. This is a horse that was harnessed to the side of the root in order to make the main one easier.
Russian troika
Riding on horses harnessed by a troika, Russian folk fun. Previously, they were used for fast movement over long distances, not a single holiday was complete without a troika. Whether it's a wedding or matchmaking, skiing on Maslenitsa.
Ordinary horses for the troika are hardy, but unsightly outwardly Vyatka. The top three rich people were determined by stately Oryol stallions - slender and fast, very beautiful.
In order to transport passengers, there was a rule: you ride alone or together, then only on a pair, and if there were three people, then three horses were harnessed.
In the forties of the nineteenth century, racetracks began to organize a competition of coachmen in troikas. Europe got acquainted with the troika only at the beginning of the twentieth century at an exhibition in London. During Soviet times, a trio of Oryol trotters became popular in the United States, our authorities,taking advantage of this, they gave such teams to representatives from America as a sign of respect. It was considered an excellent and generous gift.
Reviving a tradition
Interestingly, in the 1990s, Russians lost interest in troikas, which almost became the death of the traditional Russian harness. Rootstocks and harness horses from exhibitions were sold to sausage shops, as many could not afford to keep them in the absence of interest.
If it were not for the Commonwe alth movement, where a sufficient number of enthusiasts remained, then there would not be a single master left in Russia who could cope with the troika and manage it correctly. The initiators proposed to create equestrian competitions in the cities, where the participation of the troika was mandatory. Thus, the "Cup of Russia" appeared, the final of which was held in the capital. Later, France joined Russia, and the expensive Vincennes Prizes were introduced.
Properly harnessed troika
To properly harness the three horses, there are a few basic rules. The first rule is the right harness. It must be individually made for each of the trio so that the horse's performance is maintained, strength is not lost. The main property of the harness is the transfer of traction from the animal to the wagon. The size of the animal and the structure of its body is the main criterion by which the harness is created, it must have straps for adjustment. In the center of such a team there should be a root, and on the sides the harness horses should not bein no case vice versa. Each horse is specially trained to be exactly the right fit.
What is a harness horse
If we are talking about a trio of horses, then there are two types involved. Korennik - the central horse, as a rule, the strongest and most enduring, of a noble breed. A harness horse can also be a peasant breed, but there are special requirements for it. It should be a smart and supple horse, easy to train. The harness horse is the control of the entire wagon, it depends on it how to turn the harness on time and correctly. This animal must be able to gallop perfectly - exactly the style she needs.
Korennik
Korennik sets the speed for the whole trio. With the help of tie-downs, it can develop up to fifty kilometers per hour. High demands are made on the rootstock - a noble breed, the absence of diseases and good endurance. It is inherent in him to trot, but can also go to a gallop. There is also a wild horse. This horse is harnessed in front of the root, if there is a need for more horses than a trio. There is a type of multi-horse harness - two in front - carried away, followed by a pair of root and harness. A harness horse must be harnessed even in a deuce. Under no circumstances should horses be replaced. The skills that a harness horse has are unknown to a root horse, and vice versa.
Composition of the team
Each team necessarily consists ofa few things. Each detail is required and has its own functionality. The bridle was created so that the driver could urge the harness horses and the rooter without any problems. Consists of belts, lanyard, reins and bits. The straps are firmly fixed on the animal's head and muzzle, and high quality leather or synthetic, elastic materials are used for their manufacture.
The bridle should not create discomfort for the animal, if there is one, then the root will not gain the necessary speed, and the harness horse can confuse turns, shaking its head tirelessly.
The basis of the harness is a collar. It is he who transfers the traction forces from the horse to the wagon. Consists of two pincers, two pillows, collar, tire, suponi, lining, throat and two tugs. This must be properly assembled so that the horses do not spend extra effort.
Instead of a clamp, you can use a shorka - this is a purely leather product. The shorka is more comfortable and light, it consists of a wide strap for attaching to the chest, two more side support straps are attached to it, they are connected to each other with special rings. Lines are attached to the same rings.
The saddle consists of two main parts. The underbelly does not allow the shafts and collar, as well as other parts of the harness, to oscillate. The cross-saddle holds a lot of the weight of the shaft, collar and arc so that the horse's back is not overstressed. These animals have weak spines, with any sharp load that an arc, collar or rider can deliver, there is a possibility of a fracture. Therefore, it is necessary to follow all the rules of harness and bindings.
The girth is placed under the saddle so that ithold, sewn from cotton or cotton fabric. The arc is a kind of shock absorber, it softens the shocks and shocks of the wagon. Connects the shafts to the collar. With the help of the reins, the coachman controls the horses, and the harness is designed to prevent the collar from tilting forward. It is necessary for the safe stop of the cart, especially if the braking is sharp.
If all the requirements for the team are met correctly, then it will be easier for the horses and the coachman. Take care of your animals, both a harness horse and a root horse require the same attention.
