Tandem Driving Drafts

Tandem Winner at Vermilion Ag Society Heavy Horse Show 2014

Photo Credits:  J. Ann Brodland

Harnessing one horse in front of the other, rather than the traditional "horses side-by-side" is called a tandem hitch.  This set up dates back as far as the 12th century, but became popular in the 1800's in England.  The larger, heavier horse is harnessed into the wheel or rear position, and the lighter of the two is harnessed ahead in the lead position.  The leader must be reliable since this horse is more than 9 feet ahead of the driver, with blinkers, and can only see straight ahead.

Over time, carriage builders developed a special tandem cart, usually one axle with two bench seats set back-to-back for the grooms -- the driver's seat slightly elevated.  The room at the rear of the tandem cart is called a boot, which allows for hunting dogs and riding tack.  This mode of transportation in the 1800's was popular with hunt participants.  In order to avoid exhausting their horses, they would adopt the tandem hitch style. Once the parties had arrived for the hunt, the still-energetic leader would be saddled up and ridden, while the groomsman would drive the vehicle back home.