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Domestic News
June 29, 1927
The Siftings Herald
Arkadelphia, Clark County, Arkansas
What is this article about?
The U.S. Department of Agriculture records four farm horse harness sets that are 34 years old and could last another 20 with proper care, including selection, daily cleaning, repairs, and annual overhauls using specific materials and methods.
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Farm Harness Still Serviceable After 34 Years in Use
Making work-horse harness last fifty years is still a farm experiment.
However, the Department of Agriculture has on record four sets 34 years old.
"With continued good care they should last another 20 years," experts declare.
The long life of the harness is attributed to careful selection and proper treatment. Each set was purchased for its sturdy construction, and promptly altered to fit the horse that wore it.
When not in use the harness is hung on pegs, safe from jostling and tramping. Special care is taken to prevent the collars from breaking. Surfaces that press against the horse are cleaned daily with a fresh, damp cloth,
Broken portions of the harness have been mended as the breaks occurred. For such purpose the owner keeps a repair kit consisting of a knife, riveting machine, tube punch, pliers, awls, an assortment of needles, thread, wax, a wood clamp, leather, snaps, buckles and cleaning and oiling materials.
At least once annually the harness is overhauled thoroughly. Weak portions are replaced with strong material. For the cleaning process each set is soaked fifteen minutes in lukewarm water in which a mild soap and a little soda have been dissolved Each strap is scrubbed and rinsed well. When nearly dry, edge blacking is rubbed on portions that require it. All metal parts are cleaned. While the leather is still damp it is oiled with neats-foot oil, castor oil, or a prepared harness oil, rubbed in well and allowed to dry slowly with castile soap lather or harness soap to remove surface oil and grease.
Making work-horse harness last fifty years is still a farm experiment.
However, the Department of Agriculture has on record four sets 34 years old.
"With continued good care they should last another 20 years," experts declare.
The long life of the harness is attributed to careful selection and proper treatment. Each set was purchased for its sturdy construction, and promptly altered to fit the horse that wore it.
When not in use the harness is hung on pegs, safe from jostling and tramping. Special care is taken to prevent the collars from breaking. Surfaces that press against the horse are cleaned daily with a fresh, damp cloth,
Broken portions of the harness have been mended as the breaks occurred. For such purpose the owner keeps a repair kit consisting of a knife, riveting machine, tube punch, pliers, awls, an assortment of needles, thread, wax, a wood clamp, leather, snaps, buckles and cleaning and oiling materials.
At least once annually the harness is overhauled thoroughly. Weak portions are replaced with strong material. For the cleaning process each set is soaked fifteen minutes in lukewarm water in which a mild soap and a little soda have been dissolved Each strap is scrubbed and rinsed well. When nearly dry, edge blacking is rubbed on portions that require it. All metal parts are cleaned. While the leather is still damp it is oiled with neats-foot oil, castor oil, or a prepared harness oil, rubbed in well and allowed to dry slowly with castile soap lather or harness soap to remove surface oil and grease.
What sub-type of article is it?
Agriculture
What keywords are associated?
Farm Harness
Longevity
Horse Care
Agricultural Maintenance
Department Of Agriculture
Domestic News Details
Event Details
The Department of Agriculture records four sets of farm horse harnesses that are 34 years old, attributed to careful selection, fitting, storage, daily cleaning, prompt repairs with a dedicated kit, and annual thorough overhauls involving soaking, scrubbing, oiling, and replacing weak parts.