How to Hook Up a Horse to a Buggy
Horse-drawn buggies and carriages were the main mode of transportation between short distances until the early 20th century, before automobiles became ubiquitous. Being able to hook a horse up to a buggy was such a necessary skill at the time that even children were taught how to do it. Knowing how to hitch a horse is still a valuable skill for those who own or train them, even if we no longer travel by buggy today.
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Instructions
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Attaching the Harness
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1
Check your harness equipment and cart to make sure they are clean, in good working condition and that the harness is properly fitted for your horse. Groom your horse before beginning to attach the harness so that its coat is free of any debris.
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2
Start by attaching the saddle at the center of the horses' back, making sure it's loose enough for the horse to breathe comfortably. Attach the crupper next (the leather band that extends from the end of the saddle) and carefully fit the horse's tail through the loop at the end. This will stabliize the saddle.
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3
Take the collar off the harness and gently place it over the horse's neck. Make sure that it lays high enough on the chest to allow the horse's shoulders to move and that it does not restrict breathing in any way.
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4
Slide the bridle (the part that the horse bites down on) on last, making sure that the blinders are pointed forward. The bridle on a harness fits on the horse the same way a standard riding bridle does.
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5
Connect all the buckles and straps that connect the harness together, making sure there are no loose ends that can dangle and get caught or allow the horse to come loose from the buggy.
Connecting Buggy
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6
Have someone help you hold the horse steady, or leave the horse cross-tied. Bring the cart up behind the horse, holding the reins over your arm. Make sure the long bars that extend from the buggy to the horse are high, then lower them down over the horse.
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Insert the bars through the loops on the saddle, and fasten the traces tightly. Connect all buckles and straps tightly.
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8
Pull the reins through the ring on the saddle, bringing them up into the cart. Step into the cart and start driving your horse.
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Tips & Warnings
Have someone experienced help you the first few times you attempt to hook the horse up to a buggy. It can help to have an extra pair of hands and someone to make sure you have connected everything properly.
Harnessing and driving should only be done on a horse who is properly broken and trained. Never back a horse into a cart, since this can panic the horse and lead to injuries.
References
- Photo Credit horse & carriage image by Peter Helin from Fotolia.com
