The Pony Express September 2004 Editor: Sandy Zelmer You may also download this newsletter as a PDF document (160KB) for printing Send Information, Dates, or Classified Ads to the Editor at: Szelmer@sympatico.ca Sandy Zelmer 5818 – 4th Line, RR # 2 Tottenham, Ontario, L0G 1W0 905-936-2658 Regional News: Events, dates and the information on them can now be found at the following locations to avoid repetition. Check for dates you don't want to miss. For all Pony Club dates and results – Be sure to check the WOR and the CPC websites and calendar there to be up to date! For all eventing and eventing clinic dates – http://www.eventingincanada.com Some Regional Dates coming up: OCT 8 – 11 National Quiz – Prince George, BC 20 7:00 p.m. Regional Meeting – OVC Life Learning Centre, U. of Guelph. Ralph will be bringing WOR's old PA system to the October meeting. If you have any interest in purchasing the system, so make sure you come to the meeting to check it out. It is for sale. NOV 5-7 National SAM - Winnipeg 11 WOR Annual General Meeting - The AGM will be held at the Cutten Club on College St. in Guelph on Saturday, November 13. A number of our current discipline chairs and executive have indicated a willingness to continue to serve in their positions for another year. However, many have also said that they would be willing to share the responsibility or hand it over if anyone else expressed an interest. Thus we am encouraging any parent in the Region to seriously consider becoming actively involve in WOR's operation. In particular: Cathy Kelly is not able to continue as D-Rally Chair, LeeAnne Bell has asked for someone to work with her on C-Rally this year, and consider taking it over for 2006, Cynthia Cowper has asked for someone to take over Quiz. If you, or someone else you know in WOR, are interested in these or any other Regional positions, please let me know as soon as possible, so a slate of candidates can be prepared for our AGM. Western Ontario Region has an arranged with Brubacher's Harness Shop to receive a "bonus" of 10% of the value of all purchases and repairs for Pony Club members at either the Ailsa Craig or Wallenstein stores. We encourage all members to have a look at their catalogue: http://www.brubachersharness.ca/Storefront/catalog/index.htm Heads-Up - Canada is hosting the InterPacific Rally in 2005. Part of it will be held in Ontario (June 25-26th). Will need to borrow horses and billet the team. Congratulations to the recipients of the following awards: Governor General's scholarships: Jackie Allen – NS - $1,000.00 Cheryl Kaczmer – ABS - $1,000.00 Ann Revill - WOR - $ 500.00 New Branches - Canadian Pony Club is pleased to recognize the following new Branches in 2004: Nova Scotia - Hants County and Friendly Breezes ANR – Beaverlodge, and Upcountry COR - King WOR - Headwaters Safety Issues National Pony Club has issued a statement about saddles without stirrup bars lying flat. Members riding in saddles without hinged stirrup bars should use safety stirrups. The one piece curved bars do not provide adequate release. Concerns have been expressed about safe and courteous behavior. In addition to the problems noted at Regional Dressage and Show Jumping in the trailering area, more issues arose at D Rally and Zone Dressage/Show Jumping including: riding bareback, riding in shoes without heels, ponies being ridden in halters with chains across the nose. Hawkridge and the Caledon Hunt Club have made themselves available to Pony Club, when they have shut themselves off from many other Equine organizations. We are Guests! We need to be on our best behavior! Many of these unsafe activities are happening in the trailering area or during off times. Adults need to correct kids when they see unsafe practices being carried out. Pony Club's emphasis is on caring for the animal, not winning ribbons. Folks expect top-notch equestrian practice from Pony Club members – let's not let them or us down. Perhaps we need an assigned Regional Safety Officer to have the job of coordinating information? In any case – everyone can be a safety officer for themselves and others. Hawkridge was a phenomenal facility to experience. Showjumping course was a mini-derby. 11 out of 26 competitors were from WOR. 4 firsts and 6 seconds Approved helmets are also an issue. Three helmets at Zone Show-jumping were not acceptable so they will be checked next year more diligently. WOR has a reputation for knowing its stuff and for being on top of things. We need to have knowledgeable people in charge of Tack Check and to use club education sessions to teach kids safety rules. Albion has used an education session where the kids bring in their helmets to have them checked and their medical armband to be updated. The Region wants to plan a DC's workshop for the New Year and to plan Volunteer workshops next year so we are educated and know more of the rules and responsibilities. Our Volunteers are the backbone of our organization and we need to give them all the support we can. Please come out to this training session - Volunteers will be needed for Zone competitions next year. Perhaps sessions could run at the same time as C Education meetings during the winter? During Quiz? Volunteer jobs descriptions need to be written down so people know exactly what they are supposed to be doing. We also need to distinguish between jobs that require a higher level of expertise and experience. Perhaps we could have DC's sign off on volunteer signup forms, they know the person better than the Regional Rep. This is a consciousness-raising issue. Ontario has a Junior Shooting Team - 6 of the 12 members are Pony Clubbers - 4 from WOR and the other 2 are from COR Membership - Crawford Dales - 2004/2005 Western Ontario Region Fees for Fees: 1st member in family - $85. 2nd member in family - $65, plus you must be a member of OEF. Your DC handles Pony Club and OEF memberships and must sign the forms with the date they receive the applications and fees so that both memberships are effective as of that day. Have your DC contact Crawford if any questions arise. WOR is planning a memorial in Keith Taylor's name for the Mill Ridge Pony Club, perhaps a trophy. Regional will fund this award, the first recipient will be Keith himself. The award will be presented annually. A shortage of qualified officials is becoming a national problem. We should encourage our senior Pony Clubbers (and possibly some of our parents) to become officials and stewards. Equine Canada is looking into paying interested parties to become certified. International Mounted Games Exchange 2005 - tryouts for the 2005 IMGE team were hosted by the High Country Pony Club, south of Calgary, Alberta, for the International Team to compete in Australia in April, 2005 against teams from Great Britain, United States, and Australia. Representing Canada in Australia will be (in alphabetical order): Robyn Macbeth, Strathcona Pony Club AN Region Prairie Zone, Kirsten Riphagen, High Country Pony Club AS Region Prairie Zone, Samantha Stubbins Caledon Pony Club WOR Region Central Zone, Whitney Strachan, Vancouver Pony Club BCLM Region Pacific Zone, and Shannon Townsend Grand River Pony Club WOR Region Central Zone. Congratulations to these riders. We encourage WOR people to tryout for the chaperone and coach positions as we have a lot of qualified people in this Region International Tetrathlon 2004 – here is a perfect example of travelling the world with pony club as a coach or chaperone. Jen Zelmer recently coached the Tetrathlon overseas – here is her report. Hi, Everyone and congratulations to our athletes for representing our Pony Club and Canada so well at the three competitions held in the UK and Ireland. The athletes for the girl's team consisted of Annie De Leenheer, Brittany Emery, Inga Hansen, Lindsay Willis and Jennifer Wilson. The boy's team was Zachary McCue, Josh Riker-Fox and Janek Woznewski. They competed against the best tetrathletes from UK, Ireland and USA and did very well, indeed. Great job everyone! For example the girls' team was in the second place after swimming and shooting at BM and rode very well too, but was over-run by the other teams (which, as we've learned later, were selected mostly based on running abilities, which count to the score the most over there). Our boys lost only by 35 points to the Irish team at this competition. Josh Riker-Fox's second place overall with the score of 4362 points in the boys group at Warwick was a terrific achievement. Congratulations Josh! In Ireland we competed and stayed at Gurteen College. The Canadian team did a great job of adapting from pistol shooting and learning to shoot rifles. All of our riders proved their excellent riding capabilities with 6 out of 8 of our riders completing the course clear. The Girls did a great job and finished up third overall, and the boy finished fourth overall. We all had a great time here at the Internationals, great competitions, very nice families in their friendly and awesome houses, fantastic trip to London, admiring the beautiful English and Irish countryside, ocean beaches, castles, going to adventure games, and discos. That incredible camaraderie and friendship among the athletes, parents and coaches of all teams - this all will be remembered by all of us forever. Jennifer Zelmer (coach) and Andrei Woznewski (Chaperone) Badge Program from National - The Badge Program is meant to be a fun and interesting way to pursue new and different skills, not necessarily related to the testing program. It is also meant to recognize our members for their participation in Regional activities. Many of your older members may have participated in some of the Regional Discipline Championships prior to the program being established. These older members can still receive their badges, even though they may have qualified several years ago. The Board would also like to encourage Branches and Regions to cover the cost of the Badges and not pass this cost on to the members. Members should earn the badges, not buy them. Each year, we hope to launch between 1 and 4 new badges. If any members have ideas for new badges, please submit them to the National Office. We need a name for the badge, an idea of what it will look like and some suggested criteria for achieving the badge. This year we already have submissions for a National Quiz Badge, a National Competition Badge (which would cover participation at National PPG, Tetrathlon and Rally) and a Zone Competition Badge (which would cover participation at Zone Competitions in Dressage, Show Jumping, PPG and Rally). The Eglinton & Caledon Hunt Club is hosting it's Annual Barn Dance & Auction Night on SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2nd. Starting at 6:00PM. Location: ALBRO CREEK FARM. 15500 Creditview Road (1/2 Km North of OldeBase Line) Cheltenham, Ontario (This is on Same Road as Caledon Riding Club). PONY RACES. We Provide Jockey Silks, $50. Prize Money to the Winner of Each of 2 Races. It is Safe, the Races are in a Large Fenced Sand Paddock. Pony Club Members (From Any Pony Club, Not Just Caledon) can bring their own Pony and Ride in a Race. This is the same Day all Pony Club Members are Invited to Ride with the Hounds at No Cost. (If you are a Pony Club Member). If you are interested, we offer a stall for your Pony, (If you are Hunting That Day) up until the Pony Races and until you leave for the Evening. For Every Pony Entered - The Pony Club Member and One Adult will get Free Admission into the Barn Dance (All You Can Eat Country, Roast Beef Dinner). All other Family Members & Friends are Welcome. Barn dance (Live Band) is $40. For Adults, $20. for Juniors (13yrs-18yrs), and FREE for 12 Years and Under. Pony Race Entries close Monday, September 27th,. Please call Frank or Christine Merrill at (905) 838-1733 or email to: cmerrill@aztec-net.com We've been informed of a missing horse from the Campbellford area. Part Arabian, grey and white pinto, long white mane and tail about 15hh. Wearing a faded green nylon halter. Very kind and gentle disposition. Responds to the name Isis. Missing from the 5th line area in Cambellford since October 4, 2005. A picture of Isis can be found at www.HorseShows.ca. This horse is much loved and missed by her family. If you have seen her or have information about her could you please contact Ita Patterson at 905-372-0210 or 289-251-0387 Or call the Campbellford OPP. 705-653-3300 Is your news here? It could be, send stuff please! Classified Section: Classified are free to all pony clubbers, and for things that would interest pony clubbers. PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHEN YOUR ITEMS SELL SO I CAN DELETE YOUR AD!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THANKS. If I deleted your ad because I haven't heard from you and you need it back in, please let me know and I will put it back in. Horses and Ponies (new and renewed listings in bold) MAN O WAR PROGENY - ROYAL FASHION. He is 16 hands, 11 year old chestnut gelding, 3 white stockings, blaze, Big movement, Excellent barn manners, Trailers like a pro, Never on the forehand, very agile with lots of suspension, Trained in basic dressage, started in Basic 11, One owner for 11 years. Royal Fashion will make an excellent dressage horse with amazing presence, Bred for jumping, but has been trained in dressage. BLOODLINES: Dam: Royal Jewel Fate, C. S. H., proven broodmare, Always in the ribbons in Hunter & Jumper, won at 3-Day events at Preliminary Level, Cleared 5 ft. fences even at 18 years of age, bred from dressage & jumping bloodlines, Royal Jewel's dam, Coppertone, was a great granddaughter, of MAN O WAR, and ½ sister to the horse REGARDEZ, a horse ridden by Jim Elder in the 1976 Olympics. Sire: Medieval Fashion, registered T.B. son of Medieval Man, Black Type, track record holder (distance) in U.S.A., lifetime earnings of over $200,000, 24 years old & still going strong, CALL DENISE STEWART at (705 782-0496), ASKING $15,000. Bobby - Six year old (January 1998) German bred pony, bay gelding 14.1hh. Bobby rides like a horse, has a big step, and is brave and bold to the jumps. He showed in Germany as a 4 year old with an 11 year old rider in both Dressage and Jumper classes. He schools 3ft to 3ft6 at home with ease. Fast and careful, he will make a kid a star in the pony jumper ring. His canter is so smooth he could be used for the pony medals as well. Champion at Canadian schooling show at Hendervale in 3'0 3'3 div. $25,000. Contact Brad Gabriel 1 (905) 379-7433. Bramen is a 7 year old, 15.1 hand buckskin gelding for sale ($3200). He would be suitable for a confident D pony clubber wishing to do beginner dressage and small jumps. Tack and blankets are also available. For more information and photos, please call Carly or Joyce at (519)843-2367 or email me at jbuck@uoguelph.ca Cruise Control (Tiffany) – 7 yr old 14.1 hand large pony mare, dark bay/brown, star and socks, this year has won ribbons at 2 Events (2'6”level), has won a trophy, a championship and many ribbons at local hunter shows both on the flat and over fences. She is totally sound, has her spots and changes, just need to steer her. She has been used all summer in our camp and lessons and when worked regularly she is very quiet. When she is not used regularly or when the weather is crisp, she will buck a bit with exuberance. A winning pony for Rally, PPG, Tetrathlon, Eventing, Hunter, Equitation, etc., but not for a total beginner or the nervous rider. She will be on our site in the next week or so, $3500 www.parklaneranch.ca. Szelmer@sympatico.ca , 905-936-2658 Easy girl at the bar (Small Town Girl), (Kahlua) – registered AQHA mare bred in Texas. Brown, 14.1 hands, 16 years old, has had several foals. She is confirmed in foal to a black Paint stallion “Wash My Socks”, live foal guaranteed. Shown as Small Town Girl, this mare has numerous hunter, jumper, games, PPG, and Tetrathlon Championships, and has been used many times for National and International PPG and Tetrathlon. She schooled Prelim cross-country with ease. She is no longer totally sound if worked hard and jumped, so is best for pleasure and breeding due to arthritic ankles. I see many Champion hunter and jumper ponies, Paint, or AQHA horses ahead in her breeding career. She is an active fun ride and sound for occasional rides or shows. She loves to go and is not beginner quiet. I see her as a producer of champion performance ponies, AQHA, or Paints, or a great back-up horse for Pony Club or eventing where she only has to work occasionally. She was 4th at both Caledon and Equus 3D Events at the Grasshopper level this year (2'6”), and placed and won at 5 hunter shows. She wasn't worked regularly and stayed totally sound. She is a horse you can save her legs to just get on and go to a show with out much riding in between. $3500 LFG to a good home only, she was (and still is) my daughter's baby but she can't keep them all. With care she may stay sound but we sell them honest. www.parklaneranch.ca szelmer@sympatico.ca 905-936-2658 Miss Priss - 5 year old 13 hh, round pony mare. Priss loves to play PPG games and can jump a 2'9 course. She's a great spunky pony that loves to work. $1800.00 Check out photos at www.jewelsridingacademy.ca or call Lori 519-843-9987 Shine - Gorgeous black and white pinto mare.5yearold, 15h, was ridden all summer by a 6 year old. She's just learning to jump (2'6"). $4000. Check her out on www.jewelsridingacademy.ca or call Lori 519-843-9987 Weanling pony foals – Paint/Welsh cross, will mature to Large and Medium ponies, $500 each, contact Gabrielle Monteith at gmonteit@ovc.uoguelph.ca Weanling CSHA fillies – by Yellow Creek, all bred to perform, blacks and bays starting at $3500. Szelmer@sympatico.ca 905-936-2658, www.parklaneranch.ca Great fast games pony. 12.2 HH, Strong, stout, 100% sound, Sane, loves to go. super under saddle, doesnt spook, vault on, fit registered welsh. Patrick 519-753-8038 4 year old, Dutchwarmblood cross - backed only. Aara is 16.3hh and growing. She will be 4 July 2004. This lovely mare has the potential for eventing, she shows boldness with calm over fences,is a lovely mover for the dressage. She is by Top Notch, a bronze premium Canadian Sport Horse Stallion and was purchased as a young rider's event prospect. Due to circumstances beyond our control, we cannot bring her along, she needs a new home. Asking $7500.00 Cdn. + G.S.T. obo. Contact Dorothea at hilltdpj@brktel.on.ca or call 519-844-2582 Photos available by e-mail. Diamond Lil 14.1HH black mare, arab, quarter horse, welsh pony x. Has participated in PPG (also at the nationals), D-rally, Dressage and showjumping, and many other schooling shows. Diamond Lil trailers very well quiet and well mannered in the barn. Sadly outgrown must sell. $4500 call (1519) 622-8634, Sheila and Jackie Kirkconnell River - Bay 6 year old pony 13H, Broke to death/great schooling pony, has done Western riding including cattle work, Can also perform English. Goes over cavaletti, competed in the Lollypop Circuit for 2003 at Jane Castleman's. She also has been taken on trail rides. River has no bad habits is sound with great manners. She trailers, clips, ties and loves a bath. She's an easy keeper, River would be a great horse to teach children and build their confidence in riding $ 3,500 or B.O. Call Wendy 905-627-2772 Cameo - 2001 bay filly by TB/CSH by “Yellow Creek” out of registered Clydesdale mare. She will be a big girl, well over 16 hands, closer to 17 hands, Eventer? Field hunter? Pony Club? can be registered half Sport Horse. $4,000, contact Clay or Carolyn at 905-936-5136 Appollo – 2000 Clyde/TB cross bay gelding with lots of white, very attractive! Sound, friendly, broke to ride, 17.1 hands and growing, a big boy! And very quiet. $10,000, contact Clay or Carolyn at 905-936-5136. Canadian Sport Horse gelding, 2 years, 16.2h, chestnut with full blaze, and lots of chrome. Big mover, Dutch Warmblood X Anglo Trak. Great brain, quietly started under tack. Showing inherent talent for dressage and loves to jump $10,000.00 CDN Call (519) 843-4293 Judy Johnson, Travis Hall Equestrian Centre Wanted (new or renewed ads in bold) Searching for a Pony - Must be quiet and good natured. Will gladly consider a pony that is ready for a life of blissful retirement with light riding only. 819-682-0620 Alexis Looking for a Horse - looking to purchase a older horse, 10-15 years old, 15-16HH. Horse needs to be safe & sound. This horse will be used mainly for trail riding (English). There is no intentions of showing or jumping. Michelle Bussey @ 519-648-3403 or email Michelle at rbusse@on.aibn.com Wanted- airgun piston- for pony club target shooting for junior. Will consider pump or co2- amc2sitel@aol.com or 519-753-8038 Wanted - 15.2 to 16.2 hand, 4 to 16 yr old mare or gelding, sound, for C rider, also going to event Entry level (2'9”), maximum $2000 to spend. Please call my coach, Sue Boyle at 905-936-2658. And tell her it is for Molly Wanted – free or very inexpensive lease on a large pony or small horse for beginner rider. Kate has been taking lunge line lessons over the winter and is ready to ride on her own, needs something safe and reliable for her to ride. e-mail Dorothea Hill at hilltdpj@brktel.on.ca or call 519-844-2582 where the horse would be kept. We are looking for a pony to buy or lease. Anna is 11 years old pony club member, level D1 good rider. Looking for large pony or small horse ,14 to 15 hands, contact Maria Durso at 905 838 1025 or e-mail at mdurso@sympatico.ca Wanted to buy or lease a beginner type pony for a new pony clubber age 7, Call Anne or Dave at (519)846-0107 Tack and Equipment (new or renewed ads in bold) Saddle for sale, 16" Stubben Rex , very good condition, $500.00 contact Carol at carol.hawkins@sympatico.ca Crosby 16” close contact saddle, excellent condition, no scratches, stains, $750 obo, eventerbabe16@hotmail.com 416-236-7190 ask for Molly Competitive Target Pistol For Sale: GAMO compact .177 Like new. Ergonomic Wooden Grip. Accurate. W case and manual. GREAT PRICE: Only $250.00 Patrick- Mount Nemo Pony Club: 519-753-8038. 16.5" Bates Caprilli Close Contact Saddle. Havana brown leather with CAIR panels and adjustable gullet system (white plate included). In excellent condition. Asking $1300.00 For more information please contact Linda at (905) 335-8859 or by email at agnew@sympatico.ca Nelson Pessoa Saddle FOR SALE! This saddle is a fifteen and three quarter inch in the best condition due to being well taken care of. All of the fittings are not Pessoa but are included. Very sadly out grown. $1500.00 o.b.o. Contact London Pony Club member at (519) 475-4314 Anuttree@aol.com 4-horse gooseneck trailer for sale. Custom built by Tracer (USA Company) to be flexible. All the interior partitions come in and out easily. You can have one large space (great for hauling jumps and things), or 2 huge box stalls well separated (great for mares and colts, we used one for the stallion) or both box stalls make into 2 large trailer stalls for a total of 4 large individual stalls. Suitable for big horses, we hauled 16.3 and 17 hand horses with lots of room, has 2 ramps, one at the back and one at the side, escape door, mats, and is black with a red stripe. Sells certified $8000 obo. Sandy Zelmer at 905-936-2658 or szelmer@sympatico.ca Tack box - great for eventing. Wooden box with lift off lid, on wheels, holds 2 saddles, also hooks for helmet, body vest, jacket, and whip holder, etc. Approx. 4 feet long. Custom made. Asking $150. Also Tons of horse stuff. Need anything? Call me. I've got large horse blankets, fly sheet, coolers, polos, bandages, cottons, fully stocked equine first aid kit (C rally stable management worthy), and many other things too numerous to mention. Pam or Betty Elgie at 519-666-0758 Two room tent. Perfect for c-Rally, used 3 times. New $350. Asking $150. Three insulate sleeping bags, hardly used, Pam or Betty Elgie at 519-666-0758 Safety vest. Tipperary. Brand new. Still has tag. Size 34YL. Was $265.00. Asking $225.00. Phone 519-658-2998. Quality jumps for sale. Brand new. Painted or unpainted. Great prices. Variety of jumps available as well as custom design. idealjumps@sympatico.ca Tipperary Vests, Tall-Medium, white, cover comes off for easy washing, brand new, $100. equus3d@ican.net Services, Show, Clinics, and other (new and renewed ads in bold) Free Board for your horse: - University of Western Ontario/Fanshawe College students London area. Free board for your horse in return for 4-5 days cleaning out stalls. Approximately 12-14 stalls (1 - 1 1/2 hrs work). In return you get full board, small indoor arena, large outdoor arena, trails and lots of Pony Club kids to ride with. Please call Diane for more information 519-283-9678 or email dianne.jackson@jus.gov.on.ca Boarding Available: - Ten minutes from Mohawk. Large, safe, grassy paddocks. Oak stalls also available in large, clean barn. New 150 x 210 sand ring, fully fenced. Perfect environment for a young person in training. Coaching available. Pony part boarding an option. $150 for pasture board, $250 for full board. 519-821-1553 Vicki Dickson Halloween Horse show - Oct 31, 2004 at Jewel's Riding Academy is host a halloween horse show... Costume Class, walk, (can be lead line), walk,trot, walk/trot/canter, 2' 2'6 and 3' jumper divisions, Show starts at 9 am sharp. Trophies for 1st place, ribbons to 6th for more info www.jewelsridingacademy.ca 519-843-9987 Philippa Bates (former “B” level Pony Clubber) based out of Fergus at Glenarden Farms is developing an Equestrian Centre with arena and cross country course which will be available for Pony Club clinics. Call Philippa at 519-787-4345 or email at philippabate@hotmail.com or jhambley@darwood.ca LANGFORD CHURCH STABLES (Under New Ownership, October 1st, 2004) 237 Langford Church Road, Brantford, Ontario - Vetting/Chiropractic Clinic November 27th, 2004 - 10:00a.m. – Noon, Luncheon: Noon - 1:00 p.m. Speaker: Dr Richard Levebvre D.V.M. Cost $40.00 per person, Pony Club Members $35.00 per member. Individual Chiropractic Assessments in the afternoon - Call - leave a message, (519) 754-5419 or (519) 748-7503 - Also - OPEN HOUSE AT LANGFORD CHURCH STABLES, Saturday, October 23, 2004 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Editorials, jokes, other things worth reading 4 FEET, 8.5 INCHES Read this all the way through. It's worth it. US standard railroad gauge (distance between the rails) is 4 feet, 8.5 inches. That's an exceedingly odd number. Why was that gauge used? Because that's the way they built them in England, and English expatriates built the US Railroads. Why did the English build them like that? Because the first rail lines were built by the same people who built the pre-railroad tramways, and that's the gauge they used. Why did "they" use that gauge then? Because the people who built the tramways used the same jigs and tools that they used for building wagons, which used that wheel spacing. Okay! Why did the wagons have that particular odd wheel spacing? Well, if they tried to use any other spacing, the wagon wheels would break on some of the old, long distance roads in England, because that's the spacing of the wheel ruts. So who built those old rutted roads? Imperial Rome built the first long distance roads in Europe (and England) for their legions. The roads have been used ever since. And the ruts in the roads? Roman war chariots formed the initial ruts, which everyone else had to match for fear of destroying their wagon wheels. Since the chariots were made for Imperial Rome, they were all alike in the matter of wheel spacing. The United States standard railroad gauge of 4 feet, 8.5 inches is derived from the original specifications for an Imperial Roman war chariot. And bureaucracies live forever. So the next time you are handed a spec and told we have always done it that way and wonder what horses backside came up with that, you might be exactly right. The Imperial Roman war chariots were made just wide enough to accommodate the back ends of two war-horses. Now the twist to the story. When you see a Space Shuttle sitting on its launch pad, there are two big booster rockets attached to the sides of the main fuel tank. These are solid rocket boosters, or SRBs. Thiokol makes the SRBs at their factory in Utah. The engineers who designed the SRBs would have preferred to make them a bit fatter, but the SRBs had to be shipped by train from the factory to the launch site. The railroad line from the factory happens to run through a tunnel in the mountains. The SRBs had to fit through that tunnel. The tunnel is slightly wider than the railroad track, and the railroad track, as you now know, is about as wide as two horses' behinds. So, a major Space Shuttle design feature of what is arguably the world's most advanced transportation system was determined over two thousand years ago by the width of a horse's backend.