How to Piece Together a Mini Horse Harness

Although Miniatures are small, they are very strong for their size and can pull up to two times their weight, which makes them a widespread choice as driving horses. Though a Miniature horse harness comes in a lot of pieces, it can be put together quickly and efficiently.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
  • Driving Bridle with bit
  • Saddle
  • Crupper
  • Harness collar with traces
  • Breeching
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Instructions

  1. Putting Together A Miniature Horse Harness.

    • 1

      Measure the Miniature horse to ensure the correct fit before purchasing the harness parts. To measure for the bridle, start at the corner of the horse's mouth and measure down the check and around the poll (the area directly behind the ears on top of the horse's head) to the opposite corner of the mouth.

      To measure for the saddle, measure the horse's girth. This measurement is taken just behind the withers where the saddle will sit on the horse's back. Starting behind the withers, measure the circumference of the horse's belly.

      The final measurement is taken from the point of the saddle to the dock or top of the tail. This is the Miniature's length measurement.

    • 2

      Locate the saddle a few inches behind the Miniature's withers and fasten snugly, but not overly tight. Put the crupper around the Miniature's tail and clip the loose end of the crupper to the saddle. This will keep the saddle from sliding up the withers.

    • 3

      Place the bridle over the Miniature's head and gently insert the bit into the mouth. Adjust the blinders so that they are not interfering with the Miniature's vision directly in front of them. Attach the long reins to the cheek rings on both the left and right sides of the bridle. Each rein will run a long the left and right sides of the Miniature, and attach to the rings located on the left and right sides of the center ring on the saddle.

    • 4

      Lower the harness collar onto the Miniature's neck, making sure it is not placed where it could interfere with the Miniature's breathing or shoulder movement. Take the traces and attach them to singletree on the cart. Use the leather trace straps to put over the top of the traces to hold them on to the cart.

    • 5

      Put the breeching around the Miniature's hindquarters and attach the breeching straps to the cart through the metal fitting located on the shaft of the cart (Footman's loop). Finish attaching the breeching straps by wrapping each strap around the shaft two times. It is important that the breeching not be attached too tightly.

    • 6

      Take the loose end of the over check and attach it to the center ring on the saddle. It is advisable to only attach the over check when the Miniature is fully harnessed, attached to the cart and ready to drive.