Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post

kronckew · 22nd September 2021, 05:57 AM

Looks like a repurposed decorative finial from a racing sulky horse harness. In ancient Roman times they called it 'chariot racing' & the driver carried a small knife to cut the reins in case of accident, I wonder if modern harness racers do too...

The 'hook' is to hold the check (or bearing) rein that serves to hold the horse's head up.

22nd September 2021, 05:57 AM	#2
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,150	Looks like a repurposed decorative finial from a racing sulky horse harness. In ancient Roman times they called it 'chariot racing' & the driver carried a small knife to cut the reins in case of accident, I wonder if modern harness racers do too... The 'hook' is to hold the check (or bearing) rein that serves to hold the horse's head up. Attached Images Last edited by kronckew; 22nd September 2021 at 06:30 AM.