Harnessing a Draft Horse

Hooking up the harness to the carriage

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The Harness

The harness is an extremely strong, lightweight, ___ piece collection of leather strips and chains that slips easily over the draft horse.  It attaches by chains and hooks to a "single tree" which is attached to the carriage.

When the harness is properly adjusted to fit the horse, it takes about 20 minutes to completely harness and hookup the horse and carriage.

The following video shows a student placing the harness on the horse in preparation for making adjustments, attaching the collar, and backing the horse into the carriage for the final hookup.

• Lifting the harness over the horse's back.  (These are very large animal--much larger than regular horses.)
• Spreading the harness over the horses back and untangling the parts.
• Placing the collar around the horse's neck.