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PugJesus@lemmy.world

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Snake Bridge over a canal passageway, the UK (lemmy.world)

submitted 1 year ago by PugJesus@lemmy.world to c/historyruins@lemmy.world

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[–] PugJesus@lemmy.world 40 points 1 year ago (6 children)

Surprisingly simple! I grew up near an old towpath that was converted into a hiking trail.

The rope configuration keeps it straight despite the horse being 'off-center'.

[–] brbposting@sh.itjust.works 6 points 1 year ago

These are great! Thanks Pug!

[–] odium@programming.dev 5 points 1 year ago

muchos gracias

[–] lazycouchpotato@lemmy.world 3 points 1 year ago

Fascinating. Thanks for the images!

[–] Someonelol@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 points 1 year ago

I figured the rudder would also be used to keep the boat straight.

[–] AnUnusualRelic@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago

Also, when horses weren't available, people would pull the boats.

[–] jaybone@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Did these guys really walk directly behind these horses? Do they die when the horse freaks out and kicks?

[–] ThePyroPython@lemmy.world 8 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Well probably just kept an eye on it from the boat.

The real killer was when you approached a canal tunnel a few miles long with no side path. You'd send the horse on ahead to the exit of the tunnel with a rider, and then you and two of your besties would lay back against the top and sides of the boat with your feet against the tunnel arch and walk the boat through in pitch black darkness.

[–] jaybone@lemmy.world 4 points 1 year ago

Yeah there was a post on Lemmy some time back about people doing this. You’d think they would keep a lantern handy for such an occasion though.