Blinder Collection
In the 18th century, three different types of harnesses were used for horse-drawn carriages
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In the 18th century, three different types of harnesses were used for horse-drawn carriages. These intricate contraptions, known as blinder harnesses, provided a sense of control and direction to the powerful beasts that pulled these elegant vehicles through bustling streets. Fast forward to present-day Oregon at Champoeg State Park, where a Belgian team finds respite during a plowing competition. As they rest under the shade of towering trees, their blinder harnesses glisten in the sunlight. The atmosphere is serene; only the occasional rustling leaves break the silence. The scene transports us back in time to an era when horse-drawn carriages ruled the roads. In Virginia's Shenandoah National Park in 1935, a man stands proudly next to his majestic steed. Both seem at peace amidst nature's beauty. Meanwhile, Central Park in New York City bustles with activity as horse-drawn carriages traverse The Drive at four o'clock. Amidst all this commotion, it's hard not to appreciate how these horses remain calm and focused while wearing their blinder harnesses. Emperor Francis Joseph I of Austria comes to mind - his reign spanning nearly seven decades from 1848 until 1916. One can imagine him riding through Vienna's grand boulevards with his trusty steeds adorned with elaborate blinder harnesses. A glimpse into history takes us back further still - all the way to 1896 America during debates over free silver coinage. A political cartoon depicts Alnaschar dreaming of riches pouring out from beneath blinders labeled "Free Silver. " It serves as a reminder that even seemingly insignificant objects like blinder harnesses can be symbols of larger movements and ideologies. Finally, we find ourselves amidst Vermont's snowy landscapes on Stowe Mountain Road. Here, draft horses equipped with sturdy blinder harnesses pull sleighs effortlessly through deep snowdrifts.