Information on Driving a Tandem Horse Hitch

A tandem hitch involves harnessing one horse in front of the other rather than the more traditional side-by-side arrangement. This impressive set-up has been used as far back as the 12th century, but it did not become popular until the mid 19th century. People found this set-up amusing and laughingly referred to it as half of a team.

  1. History

    • It was the popularity of fox hunting in England that brought the tandem hitch to attention in the 1800s. In order to avoid exhausting their horses, some of the hunt participants adopted a tandem hitch style.

    Carts

    • Over time carriage builders developed a special tandem cart. The lightweight cart had one axle and two bench seats set back-to-back for the grooms. There was room in the rear of the cart, called the boot, for the hunting dogs and the riding tack. While the participant rode in the hunt, one of the grooms would drive the cart back home.

    The Hitch

    • The heavier draft horse is harnessed into the wheel, or rear, position and the lighter of the two horses is harnessed ahead of him in the lead position. This way a team will travel for miles and the lead horse will still have his energy. The horse you choose to be in the lead position must be reliable. An unreliable lead horse can be dangerous because this horse is about 9 feet ahead of the driver and, with his blinkers on, he only sees straight ahead. He relies on the driver to guide him safely at all times.

    Driving Aides

    • The driver needs to depend on her voice, the reins and the whip. The reins are an integral part of the hitch. They are almost 15 feet long and every movement the driver makes is transmitted from her hands to the mouths of the horses. Some drivers prefer to hold the reins in two hands while others prefer the more complex one-handed style of driving. The whip is used to touch the sides of the horse, replacing the leg aides that a rider would normally use. However, the whip is almost 18-feet long and the skills to use it properly require practice.

    Modern

    • Tandem driving is making a comeback, most notably in Britain and the United States. Classes are being introduced to many horse-driving circuits and tandem driving clubs are popping up. For those wishing to get involved, a two-axle cart with a tall seat is better for beginners as it adds stability and visibility. Select horses that have lived or worked together rather than pairing up strangers. Tandem driving is potentially dangerous, so driving classes with an experienced driver is a good idea.