I'd try connecing the two bolts with a piece of insulated wire, and see if that makes it run right. You'd have to bare the ends of the wires so they make contact with the bolts. Sort of a weird set-up!

It sounds like a safety device because with the Horse you can lock the trans in forward and take your hands off and it keeps on going. Maybe this wire was used in conjunction with another hand grip.

Another idea of how to protect the dumbos amongst us! With that set-up, there is no way you can get yer feet in the tines, because they aren't going to turn with the engine not running!
I have heard that the safety gurus have decided that parachutes are highly dangerous, so the guvment has decreed that there will no longer be a rip-cord to open the chute, and there will be a 30,456 word warning to all prospective users! They figure nobody in their right mind will try to use the chute!;o)