About Pony Driving Harnesses

Ponies are very strong for their size, making them excellent candidates for training to drive. It is important that the driving harness fits correctly. Measuring the pony before purchasing a driving harness is the key to proper fit.

  1. Bit &Bridle

    • Harness bridles come with blinders and over or side checks, which are used to keep the pony from lowering its head to graze and to deter them from kicking. Blinders are used to keep the pony focused on what's in front. Most pony driving bridles will come with a half cheek snaffle bit as this bit is milder than a full snaffle.

    Saddle

    • Driving saddles are placed a few inches behind the withers of the pony. The saddle should be padded and fit snugly but not tightly. The driving reins and over checks attach to the top center ring on the saddle; a side check attaches to a ring on the side.

    Harness Breast Collar

    • The pony uses the harness collar to pull the weight of the cart. It should fit below the neck and on top of the chest without interfering with the shoulder.

    Traces

    • Traces are two long pieces of leather connected to the collar that attach pony to cart. Traces are kept in place with a piece of leather over the top.

    Breeching

    • Breeching works as the brakes of the harness. It fits over the pony's hindquarters and enables the driver to stop the pony without the cart running into the pony.

    Crupper

    • The crupper is the harness part that goes around the tail and attaches to the saddle to keep it from slipping.