When the world ran on horse power (and I mean real horse power, not gas-powered horsepower) leatherworkers provided the steering, transmission, starter motor and every other direct connection between the driver and the animal engine. How did they make the connection? With a sophisticated piece of leather technology known as the harness.
Linda Lucas of Coopermill Harness is one of a few gifted leathercraft workers who is skilled in the art of harness making. “I am having a really good year,” Linda says. “Just back-to-back orders. As soon as I finish one thing, something else comes in.”
At her home workshop in Wales, Linda hand stitches harnesses for a very specific clientele, owners of the show ponies native to the United Kingdom. Linda’s clients in England and the Unites States know that she is one of the best at what she does. When they are turned out in a Coopermill Harness, pony owners know that they will make a winning impression as they drive their carts past the judges stand.
“My most
