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Snake Bridge over a canal passageway, the UK
(lemmy.world)
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this post was submitted on 25 Nov 2024
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Surprisingly simple! I grew up near an old towpath that was converted into a hiking trail.
The rope configuration keeps it straight despite the horse being 'off-center'.
These are great! Thanks Pug!
muchos gracias
Fascinating. Thanks for the images!
I figured the rudder would also be used to keep the boat straight.
Did these guys really walk directly behind these horses? Do they die when the horse freaks out and kicks?
Well probably just kept an eye on it from the boat.
The real killer was when you approached a canal tunnel a few miles long with no side path. You'd send the horse on ahead to the exit of the tunnel with a rider, and then you and two of your besties would lay back against the top and sides of the boat with your feet against the tunnel arch and walk the boat through in pitch black darkness.
Yeah there was a post on Lemmy some time back about people doing this. You’d think they would keep a lantern handy for such an occasion though.
Also, when horses weren't available, people would pull the boats.