The carts in which horses were harnessed were invented by man for the rapid movement and transportation of goods. One or several horses could be harnessed to this wagon. Since then there is such a thing as a draft 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 horses pulled by a troika, Russian folk fun. Previously, they were used for fast movement over long distances, not a single holiday was complete without a trio. Whether it’s a wedding or matchmaking, riding on Shrovetide.
The usual horses for the three are hardy, but unpretentious outwardly Vyatka. The three rich people were determined by the stately Oryol stallions - slender and fast, very beautiful.
In order to transport passengers, there was a rule: you ride alone or together, then only in pairs, and if there were three people, then three horses harnessed.
In the forties of the nineteenth century, hippodromes began to organize a competition of coachmen in triples. Europe became acquainted with the troika only at the beginning of the twentieth century at an exhibition in London. In the days of the USSR, a trio of Oryol trotters became popular in the United States, our authorities, taking advantage of this, presented such teams to representatives from America as a sign of respect. It was considered an excellent and generous gift.
Revival of tradition
Interestingly, in the nineties, the Russians lost interest in the triples, it almost became the death of the traditional Russian harness. From the exhibitions, root crops and draft horses were sold into sausage shops, since many people could not afford their contents in the absence of interest.
If it were not for the movement "Commonwealth", where there remained a sufficient number of enthusiasts, then there would not be a single master in Russia who could cope with the three and correctly manage it. 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 also joined Russia, and expensive Vincennes prizes were introduced.
Correctly Harnessed Three
To properly harness the three horses, there are several basic rules. The first rule is a correctly selected harness. It must be individually made for each of the three so that the horse's performance is preserved, and 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 harness there should be a root bush, and on the sides of the draft horse - in no case, not vice versa. Each horse undergoes special training to exactly match its purpose.
What is a draft horse?
If we are talking about the three horses, then two species are involved. The root horse is the central horse, as a rule, the most powerful and hardy, noble breed. A draft horse may be a peasant breed, but there are special requirements for it. It should be a smart and pliable horse, easy to educate. A draft horse is the control of the entire cart, it depends on her how to turn the harness on time and correctly. This animal should gallop perfectly - this is the style that it needs.
Rootnik
The root crop sets the speed of the whole three. With the help of tie-downs, he can develop up to fifty kilometers per hour. High demands are placed on the root - noble breed, lack of disease and good endurance. It is inherent to trot, but can go to a gallop. There is also a flying horse. This horse is harnessed in front of the henna if there is a need for more horses than a trio. There is a type of multi-horse harness - two in front going - carrying ones, followed by a pair of roots and an adjacent one. A drawn horse must be harnessed even to a deuce. Under no circumstances should horses be replaced. Those skills possessed by a drawn horse are unknown to the root man, and vice versa.
Team composition
Each team necessarily consists of several things. Each detail is required and has its own functionality. The bridle was created in order for the coachman to promptly urged the draft horses and the root man. Consists of belts, lanyard, reins and fishing rod. Belts are firmly fixed on the head and face of the animal; for their manufacture, high quality leather or synthetic, elastic materials are used.
The bridle should not create discomfort to the animal, if there is one, then the root will not gain the necessary agility, and the draft horse can confuse the turns, shaking his head relentlessly.
The basis of the harness is a clamp. It is he who transfers the traction effort from the horse to the wagon. It consists of two ticks, two pillows, a collar, a tire, suponi, a lining, a throat and two tugs. This must be properly assembled so that the horses do not spend extra effort.
Instead of a collar, you can use a shork - this is a purely leather product. The shork is more comfortable and lightweight, consists of a wide belt for attaching to the chest, two more side support belts are attached to it, they are connected to each other by special rings. Attachments are also attached to these rings.
The saddle consists of two main parts. The abdomen does not allow the shafts and the collar, as well as other parts of the harness, to oscillate. An interweek keeps a heavy weight on the shafts, the clamp and the arc so that the horse’s back does not overstrain. These animals have weak spines, with any sharp load that an arc, clamp or rider can deliver, there is a possibility of a fracture. Therefore, you must follow all the rules of harness and fastenings.
The cinch is placed under the saddle to hold it, sewn from cotton or cotton fabric. The arc is a kind of shock absorber; it softens the shocks and blows of the wagon. Connects shafts with a clamp. With the help of the reins, the coachman controls the horses, and the harness is designed so that the clamp does not tilt forward. It is necessary for a safe stop of the cart, especially if the braking is sharp.
If all the requirements by which the team is assembled are correctly observed, then it will be easier for the horses and the coachman. Take care of your animals, both a drawn horse and a root tree require equal attention.