Parts of the Horse Harness in Sections

Harnesses have evolved from the time horses were first domesticated and employed in pulling anything from plows to carriages. The basic layout of a horse harness, however, has pretty much remained the same for a few centuries at least, optimizing a draft horse's comfort and effectiveness.

  1. Head

    • A draft horse is directed left or right, forward or reverse, with a bit system that fits into the back of the mouth and is connected to a bit strap, nose band, head crown and blinder/blinder strap. A long "check line" with two reins is held by the driver, attached on the other end to the rings on either side of the horse's mouth that connect the bit to its side bit straps. The ears fit through the head crown and a brow band for added comfort and maneuverability.

    Shoulders

    • A collar fits snugly around the horse's shoulders, providing its main means for pulling a load. A series of straps connect the collar at the neck. More straps are used to connect the collar to the haunches and underbelly portions of the harness. A "hame" at the top of the horse's back, attached to a "hame ball," connects the top of the collar to the rear harness, with an easily adjustable connection for different sizes of horse.

    Haunches

    • A "trace carrier" fits along a back/hip strap at the top of the draft horse's haunches, connected to the front collar by a back band. The back and hip strap is also connected to a breeching under the horse's tail by another hip strap and tie strap. This assembly is held by a ring to a "lazy strap" on either side of the horse, at the top its rear legs, which holds a trace and heel chain in place farther down the horse's legs.

    Underbelly

    • The back band at the top of the horse's back, the breeching assembly at the haunches and the collar at the neck are all connected not only at the top but on the underside of the horse to secure the overall harness. The band on the top of the back is connected to the underside with a belly band, the collar with a pole strap and snap and the breeching assembly with an adjustable strap.