How to Hook a Horse Up to Buggy Harness
Until the early 20th century, horse-drawn carriages and buggies were the primary mode of short distance transportation. With the introduction of the automobile, transportation with horses became more for tourist and romantic transport and less of a necessity. Knowing how to hook a buggy harness to a horse can be a valuable skill for those who train and own horses, but can be difficult and may take several attempts with expert assistance to get it correct.
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Instructions
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1
Clean and groom your horse before attaching the buggy harness so the horse's coat is free of any debris that can cause irritation.
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2
Attach the saddle securely on the horse's back, but loose enough to allow the horse to breathe naturally and comfortably.
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3
Locate the leather band extending from the back of the saddle, known as the crupper. Fit the crupper through the horse's tail to stabilize the saddle.
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4
Fit the harness collar around the horse's neck. Make sure the collar is elevated to allow the horse's shoulder to be flexible when moving around and so the horse can breath without restriction.
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5
Locate the part of the harness that the horse bites down on, known as the bridle. Slide the bridle into place and secure it with the latch or string. Make sure the blinders are pointing forward.
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6
Connect the remaining straps, zippers and buckles that hold the harness together.
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Tips & Warnings
Check for any loose straps and ends. They can get tangled in the wheels and cause the buggy harness to slide off the horse.
References
- Photo Credit A harnessed horse in the city park image by Leonid Kvashin from Fotolia.com
