How to Harness a Horse With Equipment

Harnessing a horse is the first step to an afternoon carriage ride.

Harnessing a horse with equipment or tack can be one of the more difficult procedures to accomplish. But with a good and patient horse, a willing assistant and the correct harnessing methods, you can successfully ready a horse to be attached to almost any riding apparatus, such as a cart, carriage or sleigh. Always take the appropriate cautions when harnessing a horse for the first time, and make sure to consult with an expert guide when ready to attach a harnessed horse to a specific driving apparatus.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Horse
• Harness equipment
• Driving equipment

1. Secure your horse in an area that has enough space for both the horse tack and any driving equipment you want your horse to pull. An open area outside of your barn will work well.

2. Turn the collar upside down (for a standard, English collar) and slip it over the animal's ears before turning it right side up. Make sure that the collar is level with the breast and the collar pad is resting on the shoulders.

3. Put the hames on top of the secured collar and tighten the hames at the breast. Make sure that the hames do not slip and are securely locked into the collar grooves.

4. Saddle your horse. While you do not need to use a saddle with driving equipment, it does give the horse additional support. The saddle used for this purpose should fit closer to the horse's rear than a regular riding saddle. Make sure to fasten the crupper, which is located under the tail, and the band around the horse's stomach (belly band).

5. Thread the reins through the side guides on the saddle and then up through the guides on the collar. The reins should hang downward slightly at breast level near the collar.

6. Place a driving bridle over the animal's ears with the bit secured in the mouth. If the horse will not open his mouth for the bit, try to drag it along its teeth until the mouth opens and you can place it inside.

7. Secure the throat latch at the buckle and attach the reins to the bridle. The horse is now ready to be attached to whatever driving equipment you are using. Depending on the driving equipment, such as a carriage or cart, you will have to follow specific instructions for how to attach a harnessed horse to specific driving equipment. For more information on how to attach a harnessed horse to driving equipment, see Resources.

Tips & Warnings

• If possible, work with an assistant while harnessing your hose. An assistant can help you with threading and tightening straps, and can help you keep your horse calm during the procedure.

• Take caution when harnessing a horse for the first time, especially a young horse. Make sure that your horse is securely tied up during the harnessing process.

References

• Chest of Books: How to Harness a Horse

Resources

• My Horse: Putting the Horse Before the Cart