The idea of the stock tie was that it would act as a scarf and keep the rider warm and dry, as well as make a useful bandage or sling should the rider or horse get injured.
That is cool...I always learn neat trivia about driving as well. I was just reading up on harness colour and I always knew that driving reins had to be brown, but there is a reason for it! You are not allowed to dye the reins because if it were to rain the dye would run and stain the persons clothing. That is also why you have to wear brown gloves...The harness can be black though...You are also suppose to keep a spare pair of cotton white gloves so if it does rain you can put on the clean pair of white gloves for visiting.
-- Edited by Diamond_Jubilee on Tuesday 23rd of November 2010 07:43:14 AM
That is cool...I always learn neat trivia about driving as well. I was just reading up on harness colour and I always knew that driving reins had to be brown, but there is a reason for it! You are not allowed to dye the reins because if it were to rain the dye would run and stain the persons clothing. That is also why you have to wear brown gloves...The harness can be black though...You are also suppose to keep a spare pair of cotton white gloves so if it does rain you can put on the clean pair of white gloves for visiting.
-- Edited by Diamond_Jubilee on Tuesday 23rd of November 2010 07:43:14 AM
That is fun to know - I remember you had to have brown gloves to show driving and had noticed the brown ends of the reins, but had no idea why.
I did already know that about stock ties - goes back to the hunt field - where of course, our pre-tied stock ties would be absolutely useless!
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"If I am fool, it is, at least, a doubting one; and I envy no one the certainty of his self-approved wisdom." Byron