Yes, you can put a harness on a horse, and doing so correctly is vital for the horse’s comfort and safety while working. Learning how to properly fit and secure a harness prevents rubbing, shifting, and poor performance. This guide will walk you through every step of saddling a horse with harness safely and effectively.
Preparing for Harnessing
Before you even touch the harness, good preparation makes the whole process smoother. You need a calm horse and all your gear ready.
Setting Up the Work Area
Choose a safe, clear space. Make sure there are no tripping hazards nearby. The ground should be level. Keep other animals and people away while you work. A safe space means a safer experience for both you and your equine partner.
Inspecting the Gear
Always check the harness before using it. A broken strap or faulty buckle is dangerous. Look for wear and tear on all leather or synthetic parts. Oil leather parts if they look dry. Make sure all metal fittings are strong and clean. This inspection is key to safety guidelines for harnessing a horse.
Table 1: Harness Inspection Checklist
| Component | Check For | Action If Damaged |
|---|---|---|
| Bridle | Cracks, broken cheekpieces | Replace immediately |
| Collar or Breastcollar | Deep rubs, loose padding | Repair padding or replace |
| Traces | Fraying, loose stitching | Do not use; replace |
| Girth/Breeching | Worn holes, rusty buckles | Replace broken hardware |
Calming and Positioning Your Horse
Your horse should be standing quietly. Approach from the side, not directly from behind. Speak softly to let the horse know you are there. If you are putting driving harness on horse, ensure the horse is standing square—all four feet planted evenly. This steady stance helps with proper placement of horse harness parts.
The Step-by-Step Process of Equine Harness Fitting
Putting on the harness involves several distinct stages. We will cover the main components in order. This sequence helps ensure correct equine harness fitting.
Step 1: Putting on the Collar or Breastcollar
The collar transfers the pulling power to the horse’s shoulders. This part must fit perfectly.
Fitting the Neck Collar (For heavy work)
- Raise the Collar: Gently lift the collar. Place it over the horse’s head. Do this slowly. Keep the collar close to the neck.
- Positioning: Slide the collar down onto the horse’s shoulders. It should sit just above the point of the shoulder. It needs room to move when the horse steps.
- Checking Height: You should be able to slide two fingers comfortably between the top of the collar and the horse’s crest (the top of the neck). If it’s too high, it chokes; too low, it rubs the point of the shoulder.
- Securing the Collar: Fasten the lower strap (the belly band) that holds the collar up. It should be snug but not tight. This stabilizes the collar before you attach the traces later.
Fitting the Breastcollar (For lighter work)
The breastcollar sits across the chest.
- Placement: Place it across the chest, a few inches below the point of the shoulder.
- Tightening: Secure the girth strap underneath the belly. It should hold the breastcollar steady without restricting breathing.
Step 2: Attaching the Saddle and Hames
The saddle supports the harness structure. The hames are the two curved pieces that fit around the collar and hold the traces.
- Placing the Saddle: Lay the harness saddle gently over the horse’s back, centered just behind the withers. Keep the straps hanging down neatly.
- Securing the Girth: Cinch the girth (the strap under the belly) firmly enough to keep the saddle from slipping sideways. Do not overtighten yet.
- Fastening the Hames: If using a collar, the hames are usually already assembled or snapped together around the collar. If they were separate, slide the hames onto the collar. They must sit evenly on both sides. The center chain or strap connecting the hames should be adjusted so the hames fit the contour of the collar well.
Step 3: Fitting the Bridle
The bridle includes the headstall, blinders (if used), and the bit. This is critical for steering and control.
- Introducing the Bit: Hold the bit in one hand. Offer it to the horse’s mouth from the side. As the horse opens its mouth, slip the bit into place. Gently raise the headstall over the poll (the top of the head).
- Securing the Crownpiece: Fasten the crownpiece (the strap over the head). It should fit snugly, allowing you to slip one finger between the strap and the poll.
- Cheekpieces: Adjust the cheekpieces so the bit sits correctly in the horse’s mouth. You want one or two slight wrinkles at the corners of the mouth. This is a key part of equine harness fitting.
- Throatlatch: Fasten the throatlatch loosely. It keeps the bridle from slipping forward. It should not press against the throat.
- Browband: This strap goes across the forehead. It should be placed above the eyes. It keeps the headstall in place.
- Overcheck/Bearing Rein (If Applicable): If using an overcheck, adjust it carefully to encourage the horse to hold its head at the desired height. This requires training and should never be set too tight.
Step 4: Attaching the Traces
Traces connect the pulling power from the collar to the vehicle or implement. This is where the actual strapping on horse harness happens to prepare for work.
- Connecting to Hames: The traces attach to the rings on the hames. Use the buckles or snaps provided. Ensure both traces are exactly the same length. Uneven traces cause the horse to pull crookedly.
- Checking Trace Length: For a standing horse, the traces should hang loosely, nearly touching the ground, but without dragging. This allows for slight movement without strain when the horse starts to move.
Step 5: Adjusting the Saddle Components (Back Strap and Hip Straps)
These straps keep the harness centered and manage the braking action.
- Back Strap: This runs from the back of the saddle over the horse’s loins. It needs to be secure enough not to slide forward but loose enough not to pinch the loins.
- Hip Straps (Cruppers): These straps loop under the tail and attach to the saddle or breeching. Their job is to keep the harness from sliding forward when the horse pulls or stops.
- Fitting the Crupper: Slide the loop of the crupper gently under the dock (the fleshy part of the tail). Fasten the straps on either side to the saddle or breeching ring. Checking horse harness tightness here is important; it should hold the harness but allow the tail to swish freely.
Step 6: Applying the Breeching (If Used)
Breeching provides stopping and backup power, often used in heavy carts or when backing up is frequent.
- Placement: The breeching is a wide strap that goes around the horse’s hindquarters, just in front of the stifle.
- Attaching to Saddle: The breeching connects to the back saddle via straps.
- Tightening the Seat: The main strap (the seat) needs to be fitted so it sits just behind the point of the hip. It should not press into the flank. This helps in adjusting horse harness straps for effective braking.
Step 7: Final Checks and Securing Component Connections
Once all parts are attached, a complete review is necessary. This final sweep covers the entire putting driving harness on horse sequence.
Checking Horse Harness Tightness
Go back over every buckle. Pressure points cause pain and rubbing.
- Too Loose: The harness shifts, causing chafing and inefficient pulling.
- Too Tight: It restricts breathing, movement, and circulation.
Table 2: Key Tightness Checks
| Component Area | Desired Fit | How to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Bridle (Crown/Cheek) | Snug but movable | One finger gap |
| Collar Belly Strap | Secure, not restrictive | Two fingers maximum |
| Girth (Saddle) | Firmly seated | Should not move when horse shifts weight |
| Breeching Seat | No pinching flanks | Should sit just behind hip bone |
Securing Horse Harness Components
Ensure all buckles are correctly fastened through the keepers (the small loops designed to hold the loose end of the strap). A loose strap end can catch on things or flap annoyingly. Use the keepers for every strap end. This final check ensures all securing horse harness components are safe for movement.
Specifics on Types of Horse Harnesses Fitting
The method changes slightly depending on the harness style. Different harnesses are designed for different jobs. Knowing the types of horse harnesses fitting helps customize the process.
Single Harness vs. Team Harness
A single harness fits one horse. Team harnesses are more complex, involving breast collars, neck collars, and specific equalizer systems for two or more animals working together. When fitting a team, proper placement of horse harness must be identical on all animals.
Cart Harness vs. Plow Harness
- Cart Harness: Often uses a breastcollar and lighter breeching, focusing on smooth attachment to the shafts of a light vehicle. The back pad sits squarely on the back to support the shafts.
- Plow Harness (Draft Harness): Usually requires a full collar and heavy hames. The traces are thicker, and the breeching is essential for stopping the plow on hills. The fit must accommodate hard pulls and uneven ground.
Saddle Placement Nuances
For light work or pleasure driving, the saddle pad might be smaller. For heavy draft work, the saddle is large to distribute weight evenly over strong muscles. Always check that the saddle stays centered once the traces are loaded.
Safety Guidelines for Harnessing a Horse
Safety is non-negotiable when working with harnessed horses. A sudden spook or slip can be disastrous if the harness is faulty or improperly adjusted.
Ground Safety Rules
Always work on the near side (left side) when initially strapping on horse harness components, unless the horse is highly trained to stand otherwise. Keep your body close to the horse when working near its shoulders and rear end. Avoid standing directly behind the horse when adjusting the crupper or breeching.
Checking for Pinched Skin
After attaching the harness, run your hands over the entire horse where leather touches skin. Feel for:
- Areas where the strap pinches the skin.
- Wrinkles of skin caught under buckles.
- Spots where the leather is pulling hair.
Any of these indicates improper adjusting horse harness straps. Correct this immediately before the horse moves.
The Walk Test
Before attaching to anything, have a helper lead the horse slowly in a straight line. Watch the harness move. Does the collar stay put? Does the saddle shift? Do the traces swing cleanly? This short test reveals issues missed during static checks.
Post-Work Care and Storage
Putting the harness on is only half the job. Proper care extends the life of the equipment and keeps it safe for the next use.
Removing the Harness
Reverse the order of application. Remove the traces first, then the breeching, saddle, and finally the bridle and collar. Remove the harness promptly after work is done. Leaving a harness on can cause sores, especially if the horse sweats underneath.
Cleaning and Maintenance
- Wipe down leather parts with a damp sponge to remove sweat and dirt.
- Let leather air dry naturally, away from direct heat.
- Oil leather regularly to keep it supple. Dry leather breaks easily.
- Inspect all hardware. Clean mud and debris from the buckles and rings.
- Store the harness neatly on proper racks or hangers. Do not leave it in a heap on the floor where straps can get twisted or stepped on. This prevents damage that would affect future equine harness fitting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How tight should a horse harness collar be?
A properly fitted horse harness collar should allow you to slide two fingers snugly between the top of the collar and the horse’s crest (neck). The bottom edge should clear the point of the shoulder by about an inch, allowing free movement. It should be tight enough not to wobble but loose enough not to restrict breathing or movement.
Can I use a saddle pad instead of a back pad with a harness?
While a thin saddle pad can be used temporarily for very light driving, it is not recommended for long periods or heavy work. Harness harnesses come with specific back pads designed to bear the weight of the harness itself and support the shafts or traces correctly. Using the wrong padding leads to poor weight distribution and potential sores.
What is the difference between a breastcollar and a neck collar?
The neck collar (or full collar) wraps completely around the horse’s neck and shoulders, distributing power over a wide area. It is essential for heavy draft work. The breastcollar sits across the horse’s chest, attaching to traces that pull from the shoulders. Breastcollars are lighter and used for lighter carts, sulkies, or when the horse cannot tolerate a full collar.
How do I stop the harness saddle from sliding forward?
To prevent the saddle from moving forward when putting driving harness on horse, ensure the breeching and crupper are correctly adjusted. The breeching must sit snugly around the hindquarters to resist the backward push, and the back strap (which connects to the saddle) must be snug over the loins to keep the saddle from migrating forward when the traces are engaged.
What if my horse moves when I try to attach the traces?
If your horse moves during the strapping on horse harness process, immediately stop what you are doing. Ask the horse to stand still. If it continues to move restlessly, take a moment to gently lead it around a few circles at a walk before trying again. Never rush an anxious horse during harnessing. Patience ensures better proper placement of horse harness components.