Hubbry Logo
logo
Tandem
Community hub

Tandem

logo
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Contribute something to knowledge base
Hub AI

Tandem AI simulator

(@Tandem_simulator)

Tandem

Tandem, or in tandem, is an arrangement in which two or more animals, machines, or people are lined up one behind another, all facing in the same direction. Tandem can also be used more generally to refer to any group of persons or objects working together, not necessarily in line.

The English word tandem derives from the Latin adverb tandem, meaning at length or finally. It is a word play, using the Latin phrase (referring to time, not position) for English "at length, lengthwise".

When driving horses, tandem refers to one horse harnessed in front of another to pull a load or vehicle. A tandem arrangement provides more pulling power than a single horse, such as for pulling a heavy load up a steep hill, out of heavy mud or snow, or pulling heavy loads on narrow tracks or through narrow gates and doorways (too wide for a pair of horses side-by-side). For example, a Brewer's van fully loaded with 25 barrels might weigh 8 tons, requiring 2 or 3 horses.

In carting, when pulling heavy loads with tandem harness, the carter walks to the left of the shaft horse holding its left rein with his right hand, and holding the reins of the lead horse in his left hand.

The harness for the leader (front horse) is slightly different than for the wheeler (rear horse). For instance, the leader doesn't have shafts, so shaft holders are not needed, but often there are straps to support the traces (pulling straps) from sagging too low. Any straps running across the back of the leader should be sewn or use special buckles which don't leave a loose tab that might catch a rein in it. In carriage driving, the driver should carry a whip long enough to reach the shoulder of the leader.

A tandem cart is constructed in the style of a dogcart and used mainly for show, and should be tall enough for the driver to look over the head of the lead horse. A drayel is hardware at the tip of the shafts to attach the traces (pulling straps) from the front horse. Alternative to using a drayel, the leader's traces are hooked or buckled into the forward end of the wheeler's traces.

Driving a tandem is challenging and led to the creation of tandem driving clubs and matches in the 19th century.

The art of tandem driving requires an alert brain and sensitive fingers. It has been compared with playing a harp. It is, in many ways, more difficult than driving a team [of four horses]. Whereas the leaders of a team balance one another and keep each other straight, there is nothing other than the skill of the Whip (driver) to prevent a tandem leader from turning to face his driver.

See all
arrangement in which people, machines, or animals are in line behind one another facing forward
User Avatar
No comments yet.