Types of Horse Harnesses

Whether you want to show your horse or use him in the fields for farming, there is a harness that will help him perform his job. It is important that you fit and adjust the harness correctly for the horse and cart for his safety and for yours. Proper care can help your harness last for years.

  1. Racing Harness

    • Standardbreds and other breeds that race with a sulky (a light, two-wheeled cart) compete in a racing harness. They wear a breastcollar--a strap that runs across the horse's chest. Most horses race with both an overcheck and a running martingale for control and safety. An overcheck runs from a hook on the saddle of the harness, up over the horse's neck and then to the bit. It prevents the horse from lowering his head beyond a certain level. The overcheck can be adjusted for individual horses' needs. A running martingale connects between the horse's front legs, then divides at the chest into two pieces which end in rings. The reins slide through these rings. It limits how high the horse can raise his head, and also provides additional control should a runaway occur. Pacers (standardbreds who pace instead of trot) will often wear special hobbles to prevent them from breaking into another gait.

    Show Harness

    • Light-breed horses such as Morgans, American Saddlebreds and Arabians show in a harness made of well-polished, refined leather. It is almost always black. A show harness has a breastcollar and is not appropriate for heavier work. The bridle may consist of a variety of bits and usually an overcheck or running martingale. Proper care for a show harness includes cleaning it after every use and storing it in a bag where dust, rodents and dirt cannot damage it.

    Plow Harness

    • Draft horses are often called upon to drag plows, logs and other heavy items. They wear a full collar, which helps the horse use his shoulders to pull. It goes around the horse's neck. A breastcollar should not be used for horses that pull heavier loads because it can sometimes restrict the horse's airway. The traces on a plow harness attach to a whippletree, which helps distribute force evenly. A whippletree is a bar that can pivot and swing, allowing the horse to pull a more balanced load.

    Carriage Harness

    • This type of harness is often seen on horses who pull buggies or other types of vehicles. A full collar or breastcollar may be used. It is a strong, but lightweight, harness sometimes used in combined driving events. These harnesses often have a breeching strap, which goes around the horse's hindquarters. A breeching strap is basically the driver's brakes. When the horse needs to back the carriage up, the breeching strap also comes into effect. Or, if the carriage suddenly lurches forward, the breeching strap catches on the horse's rear end, allowing him to be able to take the force of the cart and slow it down. It prevents the cart from running into the back of the horse, which could have disastrous consequences. While caring for a carriage harness may not be as meticulous as caring for a show harness, it is always smart to clean your harness to check for wear and tear and keep the leather in good condition.

    Cart Harness

    • Horses responsible for pulling wagons or larger carts (perhaps even a sleigh) wear a harness with a full collar. The traces are made of chain to help with strength. Breeching straps are also seen on the cart harness.