How to Put on a Miniature Horse Harness

The average miniature horse can pull up to three times its own weight, which makes this breed an excellent candidate for driving. Harnessing your miniature horse correctly is of the utmost importance; an incorrectly harnessed miniature horse can lead to accidents and physical danger for both the horse and the person driving the horse. Miniature horse harnesses come in a variety of sizes and should be fitted to the measurements of your miniature horse.

Things You'll Need

  • Halter
  • Lead rope
  • Driving bridle with bit
  • Saddle
  • Crupper
  • Breast collar
  • Over check (optional)
  • Breeching (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Put a halter and lead rope on your miniature horse and tie it to a post or tie down.

    • 2

      Place the saddle on the miniature horse approximately 2 inches behind the withers. Buckle the belly band (or girth strap) underneath the horse's belly. Do not buckle this as tight as you would a riding saddle. You should be able to easily insert three fingers underneath the belly band.

    • 3

      Attach the crupper strap to the saddle and the opposite end around the horse's tail. Be sure the crupper is not too tight. It should be just snug enough to hold the saddle in place and keep it from shifting, but not so tight that it forces the horse to hold its tail up.

    • 4

      Place the breast collar on the chest of the miniature horse. The collar should be located under the base of the neck so that it doesn't restrict the horse's breathing. The collar should also not interfere with the point of the horse's shoulder. Traces are attached to the breast collar and should be attached to the singletree of the cart when you are ready to hitch the miniature horse to the driving cart.

    • 5

      Place the breeching over the hindquarters of the miniature horse and attach the breeching straps to the breeching dee located on the cart. Be sure the breeching is not attached too tightly.

    • 6

      Slip the driving bit gently into the miniature horse's mouth and bring the bridle up over the head and fasten all buckles. Be sure to check all bridle straps and buckles for the correct fit and make any adjustments as needed. The bridle should fit snugly, but never tightly. You should be able to easily insert two fingers under the bridle side straps.

    • 7

      Attach the over check strap to the center hook on the saddle. This will keep the horse from lowering his head to buck or eat grass. Never attach the over check until you are ready to drive. This should always be the last part of the harness that is attached and the first part taken off when done driving.