They are ash poles that I selected as they had grown in approximately the right shape (though one could be improved somewhat if I could bend it a bit more). I like the idea of soaking and bending, but wondered if they subsequently got wet again, wether they'd revert to their natural shape?
Tiz - I was thinking about that - although putting these poles on to the sides would clear Rosie but would also leave them a bit far apart at the 'tugs'.
Also wondering how tight the traces/ breeching(??) straps should be - they were going alternately slack as we went up and down the slope, allowing the shafts to move a lot - so I tightened them a bit, but I'm worried about over-tightening things and squeezing Rosie between breech and chest band.
It would be so much simpler if someone could breed a horse that could take a standard 50mm ball hitch.