Horse Harnesses

Improving Performance with the Right Horse Harness

When you need your horse to perform a function like drawing a carriage, ensure that it can do so comfortably. A horse owner or user should know to invest in the correct harness for a draft breed or miniature horse. eBay makes your choice of horse harness a diverse one with the selections available.

Horse harnesses vary broadly to cater to the distinct needs of users. They differ on the material, size, and number of parts, among other aspects. Some of the common types you can find include:

• Carriage harness: This harness is suitable for light loads, such as a carriage seating three to four people. It can have a horse or breast collar, and the traces attach to the vehicle for support.
• Racing harness: The harness used for a racing horse attaches to a two-wheeled cart called a sulky. A racing horse harness has to be extremely light to avoid hindering performance. This harness has a running martingale and a breast collar.
• Show driving horse harness: It is used for light cart driving and, therefore, has a breast collar rather than a horse collar. Since it is for display, the harness is finely polished to attract attention. It can have other frills depending on the maker.

Leather, BioThane, and nylon are the common materials for horse harnesses. BioThane offers a wide colour range, which is why it is ideal for show harnesses. The material requires minimal maintenance and is lightweight, making it suitable for less demanding driving needs. Leather is preferred for hauling heavy wagons due to its durability and strength. However, it requires extensive maintenance. Nylon is lightweight and can handle moderate loads.

Horse harnesses are made to suit specific applications. The harness you get for driving a hay cart may not work when pulling a heavier carriage. Identify the use of the harness to narrow down your options. For show horse harnesses, be clear about the rules on what is permitted and what is not. Size is one of the elements to prioritise when picking a horse carriage. How big the harness is will determine the comfort of the animal when using it. The breast collar should leave enough space for the horse to move without limitations. If it's too narrow, it will cut into the skin. The strength of the harness will dictate the weight that it can support, so consider this carefully.