This message is from: "." <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Bill Morong wrote: "...We could learn a lot by investigating other traditions of harness...."
Living near Decorah, Iowa, a hotbed of Norwegian customs and traditions (including the curious expletive "uff da!"), I am also curious about Norwegian harness and carts. I think it would be a lot of fun to drive our Fjords with traditional harness and cart in the yearly Nordic Fest and other local ethnic festivals and parades. The gentleman from whom I purchased Tuopen told me that an elderly Norwegian visitor thought the blinders (blinkers, winkers) on American harness were bad and should be removed. Indeed, some of the pictures of European harness show bridles without blinders. Anyone have any opinions, pro or con, about blinders? Also, many harness bridles have a strap that runs around the muzzle and is attached either to the headstall or to the bit rings, something like an "English" riding bridle. Alternatively, I've seen it as a Y-shaped strap that runs between the eyes and down to the bit rings. This strap is not necessarily used to support the blinders, although it sometimes does. What is its purpose and are there any particular concerns in adjusting it to fit the horse's head? DeeAnna
