Harness Makers (Continued from Page E 6) harnesses were pretty much lost.” Toward the end of this era, Smucker’s father began a shop on the farm, which Smucker moved to a busier road a few years later. “We used to work on it (making harnesses) on rainy days and wintry days, when we didn’t have anything to do on the farm,” he said. The local trade was for working harnesses, however the busi ness began to branch out into the more elite harnesses. “I saw that show driving was coming back again and got interested,” said Smuck er. Now, however, “the indus try is much bigger” and com petition is abundant among harness makers. The old-style harnesses en dure as driving competitions, which are steeped in tradi tion, dictate that the harness design remain true to history. “We redesign bits and pieces,” but in the driving world major changes in har ness designs are not wel comed. “If we would make too many changes they just don’t buy it. We can redesign mm B mmm B ■0 Can you name the different parts of this harness? | -Jk £*••«•*» \L , A Are you ready for the next level of showing and not sure how to get I » V*'- there? Do you have a horse ready to I be started and don’t know where to begin, or would you just enjoy your horse being quiet enough to take on a weekend trail ride? If you answered yes to any of these questions, come join our team! We offer training from starting to finishing, showing from 4-H to A-rated and lessons from beginner to advanced. Working with all ages, ■ V breeds and disciplines, specializing in I Arabians and Morgans. Friendly and professional atmosphere. 1 /r M* * mi > Kriss Phelps~Trainer Lori Eberly~Asst. Trainer (717) 335-7355 www.equiwebs.com/crescendo [Located at Diamond T Stables, Reinholds www.diamondtstabli ■■■ ■ a m akmmam a ammtaam a hhbm ■ i The store offers an array of equine products, besides harnesses. a few things but we don’t want to play with it too much,” said Smucker. To design the harnesses, Smucker attended auctions and purchased old harnesses to serve as templates. Sales also yielded hard ware on a limited basis. When he could not find brass buckles he refurbished nickel plated pieces for the tradi tional-looking harnesses, however “now we can buy brass buckles,” he said. The harness designs are not the only part of the busi- A. Hip Strap B. Breeching Straps C. Breeching D. Side Checks E. Gag Runners F. Reins G. Saddle H. Girth I. Turnback J. Neck Strap K. Breast Collar I. Crupper M. Shaft Tugs N. Traces