A swingletree (British Isles) or singletree (North America) is a wooden or metal bar used to balance the pull of a draught horse or other draught animal when pulling a vehicle. ... The centre of the swingletree may be bolted directly to the body of the vehicle, this bolt pulling the vehicle along.

How does a singletree work?

How does a singletree work? The action of a singletree is to balance the pull on the animals alternate shoulders as he walks. Singletrees ares used especially when the animal is in a breast collar harness, because uneven pulling can cause sore shoulders and an uneven gait.

How are horses attached to a wagon?

Cart or wagon harness

Harness for pulling heavier vehicles always has a horse collar. The traces are often made of chain and attach to loops on the shafts of the vehicle. A chain attached to the shafts may be passed over the saddle to carry their weight.