When you learn how to harness a horse for driving and cart work, you’re connecting to one of the oldest partnerships between humans and horses. It is coming from around thousands of years humans are using horse as their pet and companion for travelling or journey and horses have been played an important role during the wars in early centuries. So, this is not new. Humans have long harnessed horses for racing and for pulling carts.
Harnesses made farming possible, gave rise to elegant carriage driving, and eventually led to the thrill of sulky racing.
In this guide, we’ll cover step-by-step harnessing, the different types of horse harness, and the history of horse and harness use from plows to racetracks.
Key Takeaways
- Harnessing a horse correctly keeps your horse safe and comfortable.
- Different harnesses are designed for farm work, driving, or racing.
- Harness history stretches from ancient farming to modern sulky racing.
- Knowing the right harness type makes driving safer and more enjoyable.
How to Harness a Horse for Driving and Cart Work
Learning how to harness a horse is essential for safe cart work and pleasure driving.
If you’re new, start slow, double-check straps, and always put safety first.
What is a Horse Harness?
A horse harness is tack that lets a horse pull instead of carry.
Unlike a saddle, which places weight on the horse’s back, a harness spreads weight across the chest and shoulders.
There are two main styles: collar harness and breastcollar harness.
The collar harness is designed for heavy pulling like plows or wagons.
The breastcollar harness is designed for lighter carts and carriages.
Although designed for fall protection gear, OSHA’s Harness Inspection Guide (PDF) shares universal safety inspection practices that also apply to horse harness equipment.
Equipment Needed to Harness a Horse
| Harness Part | Function |
|---|---|
| Bridle | Guides the horse through reins and bit. |
| Collar / Breastcollar | Lets the horse push into the load. |
| Saddle / Pad | Holds harness in place on the back. |
| Breeching | Helps the horse slow or stop the cart. |
| Traces | Attach the horse to the cart shafts. |
| Reins | Driver’s control lines. |
Step-by-Step: How to Harness a Horse
- Approach safely: Come from the side, never from behind. Speak gently so the horse knows you’re there.
- Groom before harnessing: Brush the coat where the harness will sit. Dirt under straps causes sores.
- Put on the bridle: Slip it gently over the horse’s head. Ensure the bit rests comfortably.
- Add the collar or breastcollar: Slide over the head for heavy work, or strap across the chest for lighter loads.
- Place the harness saddle/pad: Lay on the back, tighten the girth snugly without pinching.
- Secure the breeching: Wrap around hindquarters, positioned level with stifles.
- Attach the traces: Clip to cart shafts, check for twists.
- Final safety check: Walk the horse forward and adjust anything rubbing or too tight.
For a visual walkthrough, see this harnessing tutorial on YouTube.
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Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Safer Alternative |
|---|---|
| Harness too loose | Adjust straps snugly without pinching. |
| Skipping grooming | Always brush first to prevent sores. |
| Misplacing breeching | Position level with the stifles. |
| Tangled reins | Keep reins straight and untwisted. |
| Wrong cart balance | Check shafts sit level and don’t press down. |
Safety Tips for Harnessing
- Double-check all buckles before moving off.
- Use a helper when you’re first learning to harness.
- Train your horse to stand quietly before hitching.
- Keep leather clean and oiled to prevent cracking.
- Inspect traces and reins for wear regularly.
For advanced guidance, see WikiHow’s full guide on how to harness a horse.
Different Types of Horse Harnesses and Their Uses
Not all harnesses are the same. The right choice depends on whether you’re farming, pleasure driving, or racing.
Work Harnesses
Work harnesses are built for strength, using padded collars for plows, wagons, or logs.
Driving Harnesses
Driving harnesses are lighter, designed for carriages and carts. They often use breastcollars since most vehicles aren’t very heavy.
Racing Harnesses
Racing harnesses are lightweight and streamlined, designed for sulky racing at high speed.
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Choosing the Right Horse Harness Size
When buying or choosing a harness for your horse, it’s important to have the perfect size for comfort and safety. A well-fitted harness ensures even pressure distribution, prevents rubbing, and allows your horse to move freely. Here’s a quick size guide to help you select the right fit based on your horse’s type, measurements, and weight.
| Size | Typical Breed/Type | Bridle (Browband) | Noseband | Breast Collar | Girth / Bellyband | Breeching | Horse Weight Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mini | Miniature Horses (28–34”) | 10–11” | 11–12” | 24–28” | 30–36” | 26–30” | 150–250 lbs |
| Shetland | Shetland Ponies (34”–42”) | 11–13” | 12–13” | 28–32” | 36–42” | 28–34” | 250–400 lbs |
| Pony | Welsh, Small Ponies (12hh–13.2hh) | 13–15” | 13–14” | 32–38” | 42–52” | 32–38” | 400–800 lbs |
| Cob (Small Horse) | Large Ponies, Small Horses (13.2hh–15hh) | 15–16” | 14–15” | 38–44” | 52–62” | 36–42” | 800–1000 lbs |
| Full / Horse | Thoroughbreds, Standard Horses (15hh–16.2hh) | 16–17” | 15–16” | 44–50” | 62–72” | 40–46” | 1000–1300 lbs |
| Warmblood / X-Full | Warmbloods, Large Crosses (16hh–17hh+) | 17–18” | 16–17” | 50–56” | 72–82” | 44–52” | 1300–1600 lbs |
| Draft | Heavy Drafts (Clydesdale, Shire, Percheron) | 18+” | 17+” | 56+” | 82+” | 50+” | 1600–2200+ lbs |
Horse Harness History: From Farming to Sulky Racing
Early Farming Harnesses
Ancient harnesses date back thousands of years, evolving from simple straps to padded collars that enabled efficient plowing.
Harnesses in Medieval and Industrial Times
Horses pulled wagons, coaches, and war gear. Harnesses became standardized and more comfortable.
Harnesses for Leisure and Driving
By the Victorian era, carriages and ornate harnesses symbolized wealth and elegance.
Horse Racing with a Cart: Sulky Racing
Sulky racing began in the 19th century with Standardbred horses. Drivers sit in a lightweight two-wheeled cart at trotting or pacing gaits.
Notable races include the Hambletonian Stakes (USA) and Elitloppet (Sweden).
FAQs
What’s the difference between a bridle and a harness?
A bridle controls the horse with reins and a bit. A harness connects the horse to a cart or load.
Can any horse be trained for cart driving?
Most horses can learn with patience and training, though Standardbreds are especially suited for sulky racing.
What’s the safest harness for beginners?
A breastcollar driving harness is easiest to fit and use for light carts.
How do I know if a harness fits right?
Straps should lie flat, collars snug but not restrictive, and no rubbing after a few minutes of motion.
Is sulky racing safe for horses?
With proper care, veterinary oversight, and humane handling, sulky racing can be safe, though all sports carry risks.
Final Thoughts
From farm fields to racetracks, horse harnesses have powered human progress for centuries. Also humans use horse with cart as a taxi of early centuries when there was no cars or busses horse carts was the best source of travelling for humans at that time. As time passes the use of horse becomes lesser day by day but today, the craze of horse riding or racing are increasing day by day specially among youngsters. So, Learning how to harness a horse is your first step in joining this long tradition safely and responsibly. If you’re looking for durable and affordable options, browse our horse harnesses for sale — available in leather, webbing, and custom designs.