Various Parts of Horse Harness
If you are familiar with the equipment needed for horseback riding, it’s also important to know how they function. Accordingly, you may use a horse saddle, bridle, or harness if it fits your requirement. To say the least, one must not use any tool that’s not right for the horse’s back.
Just like other important equipment or tools used in horse riding, a harness is the one that’s common for its purpose. Moreover, various horse harnesses work collectively to make them function as a whole.
Read Also: What is a Horse Bridle?
About Horse Harness:
In general terms, a horse harness is a device that connects the animal with the vehicle of load at its behind. The aim of a horse harness is to allow the horse to pull a heavy load without any inconvenience. Likewise, different horse harness parts adjust the weight and do not let it fall on the horse’s shoulder or neck.
Most commonly, there are two important categories of horse harness – a. Breast collar design, and b. collar or hames design. More so, both these designs are helpful in lifting different weights during horse riding. Accordingly, the rider must fit the harness in the correct manner so that it doesn’t cause any discomfort to the animal.
History of Horse Harness
The history of horse harness dates back to the 5th century when the first harness came into existence in China. If you look closely enough, various indications of horse harness being used in ancient history exist. Majorly there are several depictions and traces by the portraits of earlier artists.
Lately, with newer modifications, riders are using the best harness for their horse that’s fit for the job. Even if they are not so absolutely sure about the type of harness, it’s easy to alter it and fit it accordingly.
See More: Horse Harness: Types & Variations
Several Parts of Harness and its Functioning
The functioning of a harness depends upon how many parts are present to push it against the load. Likewise, there are many parts of a horse harness that may constitute.
They are as follows –
- Collar: A horse collar is to shift the load from the horse’s shoulder onto the harness. They are usefully available in the form of – horse collars (for heavy weights) and breast collars (for light weights).
- Hames: These are usually metal or wooden strips that shift the full force of the weight from the collar to the other parts.
- Traces: Again, straps or chains take the load from the breast collar or hames and allow the horse to move without discomfort.
- Breeching: A strap around the horse’s haunches allows it to sit back while the rider slows down the vehicle. In some cases, it can be missing where the cart or wagon has brakes in them.
- Girth: These straps go below the horse and help to tie it up with the other end. Usually, they are present when there is a harness saddle present on the horse’s back.
- Terrets: Now, these are metal loops on a saddle that provides support to the reins. Likewise, you can have them or not, depending on your requirement.
Bottom Line
Some people might be confused about choosing the best harness for their horse. Well, all they have to focus upon the quality and pricing right after confirming with the fitting.
If it’s your first buy for a horse harness, make sure you know the purpose of its use. In short, there is a variety of horse harnesses, and they are all useful for different purposes. Henceforth, you can buy harnesses online and learn to use them correctly without causing any harm to the horse.
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https://horsesaddleshop.org/how-to-measure-a-horse-saddle/
https://horsesaddleshop.org/horse-saddle-bags/
https://horsesaddleshop.org/how-to-measure-yourself-for-an-english-saddle/
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