There’s a trend of insanely long tracer channels on harnesses. And while I 100% approve of making sure the spreader bar doesn’t hit the leg……. I don’t approve of the if 4 inches is good 4 feet is better.

At first…. I was just thinking of the physics of pulling. And long channels don’t really give an advantage in the pull. Or in any aspect of WP1 competition. So, I left it alone.

But in discussions with some WP folks from other sanctioning bodies, I was reminded that there’s a length rule in IWPA and similar rule sets because the handler may not work the track. The absurdly long channel gets them closer to the handler and gives an unfair advantage. The dog working away from the handler is part of WP 1 & 2 in GRC. So the channel would offer the same “cheat” there.

Considering this…. 2021 rules will include this definition of a properly fitted harness. The harness shall be a heavily padded, X back style, with a spreader bar and an open hip/leg channel. Once the harness has been pulled taught, the spreader bar should not touch, nor be farther than 6 inches from the outstretched leg. The Channel will terminate at a D ring directly after the spreader bar. The judge may request a verification measurement if they are unsure on visual inspection.

This clarification should ensure that the dogs natural stride is unimpeded and not give undue advantage to the the folks running the royal wedding dress style harness.

Since no one is competing at WP2 yet, and this is not a safety issue… It won’t go into effect until the 2021 annual rule book update.