Teamster Tip hosted by Mel Klein

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Tip #6

During a recent outing the topic of lines were discussed and of course the same old question of which is better buckles on the lines or snaps, came up.  Well, I for one I am a big believer in buckles.  Let me explain a little.  My feelings are this, when snaps were used a lot and I’m sure your Granddads, and your Dads used them, those horses were worked much, much more than 99% of the horses today are worked. Heck, the horses knew more about what they were to do the many of us today.  Just think, they were used everyday, and for most of us, we are extremely lucky if we get them hooked once a week.  Yes I will admit they could use snaps and probably never had a problem. The point I, m trying to make is that when we drive our horses now days we all need all the safety features we can get. Now, when I started with the horses I was advised to get buckles on my lines and I did and I've never had a problem. Now couple a potential problem with a guy just getting into the horses, and has snaps on his lines and its not a matter if something will happen, its a matter of when.  Is it when he’s giving his first hayride, or at a county fair, as you can see it could happen anywhere.  I just can't stress enough to eliminate as many problems as you can and one sure way is to put buckles on your lines.  Once they are buckled on to bits, that's just one more thing you don't have to worry about.

Mel