Marjorie
R. Margentino
Rutgers Cooperative Extension
Before
starting out on a drive whether it be in the ring, on the
road or at a show, it is important to inspect your vehicle
for defects. Your safety as well as the safety of the horse,
passengers and any other people in the area of the carriage
depend on the soundness of the vehicle.
At the
beginning of each season, it is important to check parts of
your carriage that you normally wouldn't think about for fatigue
and wear. From the ground up, start with the wheels. Are they
sound? Sound means that the wheels are tight. The spokes are
straight and fit solidly into the rim and hub. The wheel rim
is intact, and the rubber fits snugly and evenly around the
wheel, and is not offset from the wheel in any place. Make
sure hubs have been properly lubricated.
Check
the axle, springs and other means of suspension for fatigue
cracks. Replace any broken or worn part. Make sure all bolts
holding the suspension and carriage together are tight, and
not worn thin in places where rubbing takes place. The fifth
wheel on four-wheeled vehicles should also be lubricated.
If the carriage is equipped with brakes, check to see that:
the brakes are functioning properly; there is ample brake
fluid in the case of hydraulic brakes; and that the drums
are free of accumulated dirt, mud and sand.
Floor
boards and side panels should be solid and free from cracks.
Replace any broken, cracked or rotted wood. Check the shafts
or pole and whiffletrees for cracks and soundness. Make sure
all leather straps are in good condition and functional. Inspect
the king bolt, whiffletree bolts, shaft couplers and pole
housings for cracks and wear.
Inspect
the spares kit to make sure all components are present. ALL
vehicles must carry a spares kit. A spares kit is necessary
in case of a breakdown or accident. A spares kit should contain:
a halter and lead shank for each horse in the hitch; a good
leather punch; an extra rein or rein splice; an extra trace
or trace splice; leather lacing or twine; duct or electrical
tape; a knife; screwdriver; hammer; pliers; and a first aid
kit.
Regular
inspection, maintenance and washing of your vehicle will prolong
its serviceability and ensure your safety.
Disclaimer
and Reproduction Information: Information in NASD does not
represent NIOSH policy. Information included in NASD appears
by permission of the author and/or copyright holder. More
NASD Review: 04/2002
Marjorie
R. Margentino, Program Associate in 4-H Animal Science
|