How to Rig a One-Horse Harness

Rigging the harness to a horse allows it to be directed.

Properly setting up a horse in a harness is necessary for a variety of uses that a horse fulfills. Almost all horse activities such as pulling a carriage or cart, hauling a plow or directional steering for a rider require one form or another of the classic harness. Harnesses are composed of a main bar that fits into the horse's mouth, a collar and a main series of straps which wrap around the horse's face and throat.

Things You'll Need

• Collar pad
• Harness

Instructions

1. Ensure the horse is calm by patting it on the head and neck. Do not place a harness on a riled horse. Fit the collar pad over the neck of the horse before the collar to ensure the harness will be comfortable.

2. Place the collar directly over the collar pad, with the straps facing straight down. Bend down and buckle the straps of the collar firmly enough so the collar does not move, but no tighter.

3. Place the harness on top of the head of the horse, with the throat strap down. Buckle the throat strap of the harness to the horse's throat (about 8 inches higher on the neck than the collar) tight enough so that it lays flat onto the horse, but no tighter.

4. Place the main bar into the horse's mouth by presenting the bar in front of the horse. Let the horse open its mouth and accept the bar. Never force the bar into the horse. Place the rest of the harness over the horse's face but away from the eyes.

5. Connect the main harness strap (this is the long strap that is on the top of the face harness) to the collar by connecting the two remaining buckles on each, very lightly.

Tips & Warnings

• Never use a damaged or broken harness to avoid injury to the horse.

• Never force a harness onto a disgruntled horse.

References

• KBR Horse: Teaching a Horse to Pull Objects