singletree

A singletree, also called a single-tree, is a wooden or metal bar used in horse-drawn harnesses to transmit the pulling force from a draft animal to a vehicle. It is attached to the vehicle at the ends of the shafts or to a mounting bracket and serves as the anchor from which the traces extend to the animal’s harness. In single-horse work, the singletree functions as the main linkage between the horse and the vehicle.

The primary purpose of the singletree is to provide a stable, balanced connection that distributes the draft force along the traces and helps keep the vehicle moving in a straight line. It also allows some adjustment for different loads and harness configurations. If the singletree becomes broken or misaligned, steering can be affected and the animal may suffer injury.

Traditionally, singletrees were crafted from sturdy wood, such as oak, with metal fittings for attachment and for the traces. Modern versions may be forged steel or aluminum. In teams of two or more animals, a central load-distributing device such as a whippletree is commonly used to balance pull across the team, while each horse still connects to its own singletree or linkage point.

The singletree is associated with historical agricultural and transportation practices and remains in use in some traditional farming, logging, or driving contexts. Maintenance involves keeping the bar sound and straight, inspecting for cracks or splits, and ensuring fittings remain secure and properly aligned with the shafts.