How to Hitch a Horse to Cart
You've done the hard part, you've figured out all the pieces of the harness and fitted all the pieces on to your horse correctly. The open road awaits. He's waiting there patiently in harness, now all you need to know is how to pull that carriage up and hitch him up safely. Follow these easy steps.
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Instructions
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Position your harnessed horse with room on either side to pull the carriage up behind him. He can be tied, or you can have an assitant hold the horse by the bridle, standing to the left side of the horse's head.
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Bring your carriage up from behind, pulling it by the shafts. Talk gently to your horse, touching him on the rear end so he knows you're back there. Slide the shafts through the tug loops on each side. Bring the shafts to the shoulder of the horse, but not further than the shoulder. Adjust tugs so they are back far enough to lay straight down on the shafts.
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Attach trace to the carriage, threading them between girth and belly band, and through the hold back strap loop which is already on the shaft. Clips at the end of the traces clip onto the carriage. Attach hold back straps already on the shafts by clips to the breeching on horse's flank.
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Tighten girth. Check all straps. Make sure traces are straight with no twists. Place whip in carriage.
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Take reins, and don't let go of reins at any time. Climb on to carriage from left side. Don't allow any passengers into carriage until driver is in place and ready.
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Tips & Warnings
If you have a seasoned horse, you may not need an assistant to hold your horse's head. For safety, if you are alone, you should hitch up in an enclosed area.
Always double check your straps to make sure everything is fastened correctly.
Working with a young horse can be dangerous. Avoid the back end of any horse to avoid serious injury if kicked.
Do not attempt to hitch up a green horse alone.
Do not allow anyone to stand directly in front of your carriage to avoid trampling injury or death.
