My grandfather was a volunteer fireman for about 75 years (he was 105 when he died). One of his earliest memories, and the one that sparked his interest in becoming a fireman, was watching the horse drawn fire trucks coming up 9th avenue in New York.
This video from 1903 shows just how fast those fireman could get their horses harnessed and going — just 15 seconds! Those horses are primed and ready to go.
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Holy moly that was FAST. I was worried they weren’t going to be able to get the cinch (if that’s what it’s called on a harness) strapped, the horses were so anxious to go! Love the rope “rail” too. Interesting that horses learn that’s a barrier….until it drops. Great video!