![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090122123251im_/http://www.cdc.gov/nasd/images/line.jpg)
Marjorie
R. Margentino
Rutgers Cooperative Extension
Whenever
a horse is put to harness, whether it is for training, pleasure
or show it is important that the harness be in good operable
condition and properly fits the horse.
Harness
does not have to be brand new to be serviceable but in good
condition without evidence of excessive wear. Before use,
especially after being stored over the winter, it is important
to check all buckles and stitching. Buckles will wear, becoming
thin and weak in spots where the leather passes through and
rubs against the metal. Checking the buckle tongues is especially
important during inspection. The tongues take the brunt of
the force and will start to crack or break entirely through
without being noticed. Stitching will also break with stress,
but the most common stitching defect is rotted stitches that
break or pull out. Rotted stitches are usually the result
of using too much oil when conditioning the leather.
Other
signs to look for in a defective harness is dry leather that
is cracked and easily broken; leather that is too oily which
will stretch and pull apart easily; and leather that has rodent
damage. Also inspect any area where the leather passes through
metal. This should not be limited to buckle areas, but also
where the breeching and breast collar straps pass through
the "O" or "D" rings and where the reins pass through the
backsaddle terrets, breastcollar terrets and at the bit attachment.
It is also important to check the bit, looking for rust; flaking
metal (usually see in chrome or nickel plated bits); and stress
cracks in the metal where the mouthpiece joins the bar, and
in the rings where the headstall and reins attach.
Anytime
the horse is in harness, the harness should be properly adjusted
to ensure a comfortable and safe fit. If harness pads are
used, it is important to make sure they are clean, dry and
securely fastened. Harness pads that slip and rub can sometimes
cause more problems than if no harness pads are used at all.
Wet,
muddy or sweaty harness pads will irritate the horse's skin,
often causing skin irritations that take days, even weeks
to heal.
Starting
at the head, good bridle fit is essential for safety. Blinders
or Winkers should not touch the eye or eyelashes, but should
fit snug enough to prevent the horse from seeing behind or
alongside. The eye should fit in the center of the winker.
The throatlatch should be snug enough to prevent the bridle
from slipping off the horse's head, but not tight enough to
choke the horse. The Caveson or Noseband should be buckled
tightly to prevent the horse from pulling its tongue over
the bit. If appropriate to the bit being used, the Curbchain
should lie flat in the groove of the horse's chin with two
finger space between the chin and chain so that the skin is
not pinched. The Bit should lie evenly on the bars of the
jaw in the interdental space. The horse's teeth should be
floated annually so that interference of the teeth with the
bit is not likely. Care should be taken that the bit is of
the proper width for the horse's mouth so as not to pinch
the lips. A bit drawn up too high in the mouth will interfere
with the tongue and cause sores in the corner of the mouth.
A bit hung too low will allow the horse -to pull its tongue
over the bit and not give the driver the necessary control.
Reins should be attached in the appropriate shaft notch or
ring to ensure proper control.
The
Breastcollar should be positioned so that is will not impede
the motion or breathing of the horse. A breastcollar adjusted
too highly will constrict the wind pipe, while a collar hung
below the point of the shoulder restricts the shoulder's range
of motion. The Neckstrap should sit in front of the withers.
The Backsaddle sits just behind the withers of the horse,
not directly on the withers, and should not touch the back.
There should be space between the tree and the backbone of
the horse. The bars of the tree should lie to either side
of the backbone, keeping direct pressure off the spine. The
Bellyband or Girth should not be as tight as one would girth
up a saddle, but allow the passage of one finger between the
horse and band.
The
adjustment of the Breeching is very important. Breeching that
is too loose serves no purpose, and breeching adjusted too
high or low can cause a horse to buck, scooch down or become
entangled. The intent of the breeching is to act as a brake
and help hold the carriage back when going downhill. In order
for it to work properly, the breeching should be hung low
enough over the hips that the horse can sit its haunches back
in it, but not low enough to hit the hocks. Hung too high,
the breeching can get caught under the dock of the tail. The
Breeching Straps should be adjusted so that the breeching
fits snugly against the horse but not too tight as to cause
the horse to lose its footing. Straps that are too loose allow
the shafts to push forward, until they are stopped by the
backsaddle. This turns the backsaddle and girth into the brake.
Pressure from the carriage in this manner will soon cause
girth sores and bruised withers.
Another
problem may also occur with poorly fitted breeching. Often
the distance between the front of the carriage and the back
of the horse is not great, and long breeching straps will
allow the carriage to hit the horse, riding up on his legs
and haunches.
Harness
that is properly fitted and in prime condition is essential
for the safety of the driver, passengers and anyone that comes
within range of the carriage.
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Disclaimer
and Reproduction Information: Information in NASD does not
represent NIOSH policy. Information included in NASD appears
by permission of the author and/or copyright holder. More
NASD Review: 04/2002
Marjorie
R. Margentino, Program Associate in 4-H Animal Science
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