How to Put a Harness on a Mini Horse

Horses like to be put to work. However, miniature horses are too small to be ridden. A good solution is to use miniature horses for pulling wagons or carts. To do this, it is necessary to learn how to harness them up correctly. Once you have harnessed your mini horse, you can attach the harness to a cart or wagon.

Things You'll Need

  • Comb or brush
  • Hitching post
  • Harness
  • Cart or Wagon
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Instructions

    • 1

      Tie your miniature horse to a hitching post in an open area. Groom the horse thoroughly with a comb or brush. This removes any debris or dirt that could cause irritation under the harness; it also highlights any injuries or grazes that could prevent the horse from pulling the cart with ease.

    • 2

      Turn the collar upside down as you pass it over the horse's head. The widest part should be placed over your horse's ears. Once in place, turn the collar the right side up and straighten the mane. Ensure the collar pad is perfectly positioned to protect the neck and shoulders of the horse.

    • 3

      Place the harness over the horse collar. Buckle the strap of the harness securely. Put the hames above the collar and tighten the hamestrap securely in the chest area.

    • 4

      Buckle the false martingale around the collar and the hamestrap and buckle on the traces. To prevent the traces from falling on the ground, twist them over the buckle. The backstrap and the crupper can be placed on the horse at this stage.

    • 5

      Place the back band, belly band, tugs and breeching onto the horse, working from front to back. Thread the girth through the false martingale and buckle it securely. Leave the belly band undone, as this won't be secured until the vehicle is attached to the horse.

    • 6

      Lay the traces over the horse's back and thread the reins through the pad and collar. Put the bridle on the horse and attach the reins to the bit.

    • 7

      Attach the cart to the horse by putting the shafts into the tugs. Thread the traces inside the belly band and attach at both sides.

    • 8

      Fasten the breeching straps making sure the traces are enclosed within the straps. Securely fasten the belly band so it is strong enough to hold, but not too tight that it causes pain or discomfort. Make sure the tugs and shafts are positioned at the right height.