QuestionI was just wondering if you could explain the pieces of a harness and how to put it on. Thanks,
Susan
Please answer!!
AnswerHi have been at a horse show sorry for the delay getting back to you. If you can find someone to show you how to fit the harness best to your horse would be a wise thing to do. Hard just typing it to you but I will try. You of course have your bridle fits like a regular horse bridle but a little less tension on bit. Usually one or two wrinkles at corners of mouth. Some have an overcheck piece at the top attached to the crown piece that goes over the top of the head. That attaches to the saddle at a hook on it. There is the breast collar that you want to have hang at point of shoulder and up. IF that makes sense. Then off of the breast collar are the traces that attach to the cart on the single tree. That is the piece that moves back and forth as the horse moves. Next is the saddle with a cinch and usually has what are called wrap straps on it. You don't cinch tightly like you do on a regular saddle but want it snug. Then the wrap straps a longer piece that comes down towards bottom of saddle where the cinch buckles these are wrap straps that wrap on the cart and buckle back in to hold cart down so the shafts don't bounce up and down. Lets see attached to the saddle is a strap that has a horse shoe padded piece called a crupper. The strap is called a back strap. The crupper should be snug but not tight. I would strongly advise you to go to the library and get some books on harnesses and harnessing. It is critical to hitch properly and get the cart balance right for the horses comfort. Hard to describe and pictures for you would be a good thing. Go to smallhorse press.com and they have books and videos on driving ect with minis. Hope this explains somewhat of the harness pieces. I forgot to mention the reins which of course attach to the bit on the bridle and the reins run through two loops of metal on saddle these are called terret loops.
