What is the name of Pivoted crossbar attached to traces a draught horse and plow?

The pivoted crossbar attached to the traces of a draught horse and plow is called a whiffletree.

Here's why it's important:

* Distributes force: The whiffletree spreads the pulling force from the plow evenly across both horses (or multiple horses). This prevents one horse from doing all the work and helps prevent injuries.

* Maneuverability: It allows the horses to move independently, making it easier to turn the plow.

* Safety: The whiffletree acts as a safety mechanism, allowing the horses to detach from the plow if they get stuck or spooked.

Let me know if you have any other questions about horse-drawn plows!