The equestrian season 2022 is approaching. This is the last opportunity to evaluate the state of preparation. While it is impossible to improve much in the area of driver and horse skills, in terms of technical preparation of the carriage there is still time to catch up. This is all the more important because failure to observe technical aspects cannot only make it difficult for competitors to win, but it can even threaten their physical safety. We talk to Hubert Glinkowski from GLINKOWSKI company, the world's largest manufacturer of sports horse carriages, about what is worth remembering and what must be carried out, whether you can do the carriage preparation yourself or whether you should go to an authorized dealer's service center.
Update 07/03/2022
THIS ARTICLE IS THE TRANSLATION OF THE PRESS MATERIAL PREPARED BY THE SERVICE EDITORIAL TEAM: Hippoevent.at
Carriage driving is a very demanding sport discipline. To be successful in it requires perfect harmony between driver’s skills, horse's capabilities and the technical quality of the horse drawn carriage. In rarely any sport, so many factors are important for the final result. The more attention the driver and their sports teams must pay at the beginning of the season to each of these areas..
In the case of buying new marathons or dressage horse drawn carriages, the responsibility for the quality of the carriage will be taken by the horse drawn carriage manufacturer who will take care of all aspects. Of course, provided that it is a reputable manufacturer whose experience guarantees the safety and high quality and durability of the carriage, as well as of individual components.
However, when starting the next equestrian season with a used horse drawn carriage, we must take care of the checkups, and sometimes comprehensive renovation of the carriage. The overloads that the carriages undergo during the entire sport season are enormous and affect further driving and operating possibilities of the carriage. Monitoring the technical condition of carriages is of course a primer for professional drivers, but it is worth considering this issue once again.
We asked the representative of the world's largest sports carriages manufacturer, Hubert Glinkowski from GLINKOWSKI company, about what is worth remembering and what must be carried out, whether you can do the carriage preparation yourself or whether you look for assistance of an authorized dealer's service center.
- The basic issue is, of course, the checkup of the braking system - emphasizes Hubert Glinkowski, co-manager of Glinkowski company - And above all the thickness of the brake pads - he adds.
This is one of the most important elements affecting the safety of the driver and the effectiveness of his maneuvers, especially during the marathon. Hubert Glinkowski recommends checking the thickness of the abrasive coating, which, depending on the manufacturer, can be from 5 to 15 mm. The next element is the degree of wear of the brake disc. It should be smooth and provide maximum adhesion to the pads. In the event of significant grooves on its surface, it should be replaced. The final element is the tightness of the brake lines and the quality of the fluid itself, which tends to lose its properties. It is mandatory to replace it after two years, but the manufacturer recommends that you do not wait until the end of this period
- We use the DOT4 fluid at the factory and we recommend such fluid for GLINKOWSKI carriages - says Hubert Glinkowski, co-manager of Glinkowski company - After replacing the brake fluid, it is of course necessary to bleed the entire system, for which specialist help will be useful - he adds.
The manufacturer also recommends lubrication of key components such as wheel hubs, turntables and all rotating and steering parts. Horse drawn carriages from the GLINKOWSKI brand are equipped as standard with so-called "Grease nipples" that facilitate their maintenance. Such "grease nipples" are additionally mounted when mounting movable suspension components.
If the horse drawn carriage is equipped with so-called “telescopic shafts” the telescopic elements should also be lubricated. On the one hand, such maintenance of the elements will extend the life of the parts, on the other, it will guarantee a smooth ride, and thus maximally efficient use of the carriage during the competition.
Another thing to look out for is any screw connections in the horse drawn carriage structure. This is especially important with the turn retarder or the braking system (mounting of discs, calipers and wheels).
An important thing is to checkup the wheels and air pressure. If the pressure deviates from the factory recommended level, then it should be topped up. The next issue is the tread condition. The airbag suspension also requires review. It is necessary to check whether the rubber from which it is made has not crumbled, and if so, it must be replaced.
For Marathon or Break Sport horse drawn carriages it is necessary to check the rear wheel gauge. After an intensive season, the wheel gauge shows deformation, and in accordance with FEI regulations depending on the type of horse drawn carriage, the external wheel gauge must not be less than 125 cm, 138, 148 or 158 cm.
- To - It is a truism for high performance drivers, but there have been cases of non-admission to compete because of this - says Hubert Glinkowski, co-managier of Glinkowski company - It is worth checking before every start in the competition - he adds.
An interesting fact is that the manufacturer emphasizes that in recent years competitors have paid more attention to aspects not related directly to safety, but to the appearance of the horse drawn carriage. Apparently, style is also becoming important among professional drivers.
- Our carriage renovation services include more and more often the application of a new varnish coating, upholstery repair or only its restoration and protection with special agents. - says Hubert Glinkowski, co-manager of the Glinkowski company - We give a second life to carriages that when leaving our factory look like new and certainly give confidence to the contestants - he adds
To sum up the issue of preparing the horse drawn carriages for the equestrian season, the best drivers have efficient teams that are able to do themselves most of the above repairs, maintenance or renovation of the carriages. The GLINKOWSKI company also offers instructional videos on its Youtube channel that facilitate self-repair.
Those who want to entrust their vehicles to manufacturers specialized in renovating and restoring the splendor to horse drawn carriages, Glinkowski directs them to their authorized dealers. They will perform the service professionally and additionally based on original spare parts.
Those considering the purchase of a new sports horse drawn carriage, the producer reassures that he will be able to produce the new carriage before the start of the season. Hubert Glinkowski wishes success to all drivers, and above all safe driving in the 2021 season.
Oryginal source - kliknij.