Harnesses some questions

[sandi_84]

Are there different types for driving and for example logging? I assume so as they do different jobs but I would also assume that in the main they are comprised of similar component parts.

For those of you who use harnesses what do you use them for and how much did you pay for them?

Is it a different method to teach a horse to pull for driving than to logging?

Was chatting to OH the other night and mentioned that maybe in the future I may try to break Loki to harness possibly for driving but maybe for a small bit of logging (i.e small amounts of wood when OH goes tree surgeon-ing for firewood). I know it would be a fairly long process of small steps and it would take a lot of research but just wanted some info if possible from both sides of the harness field.

 

[pennyturner]

I'm not an expert, but can give you some thoughts to start:

Most pleasure drivers use a harness with a breast collar - a strap across the chest, rather than the full English collar you see on agricultural and logging horses. The full collar allows the horse to pull much more weight, as there is the right line of draft to a low implement or log.

A work harness doesn't have the tugs (loops) on the side. These take the shafts which steer the vehicle - a log doesn't steer as such.

A horse which is broken to harness will not automatically be suitable for a log, which won't pull along cleanly as it isn't on wheels. It will stick, jolt and bounce. Many horses will find this upsetting, and you'll just teach a good horse not to pull.

I wouldn't try logging with a horse unless you're already quite an experienced driver. If it goes wrong you'll injure the horse, or quite possibly kill yourself.

 

[lora3786]

Hi! I only know a little bit - sure there are far more knowledgeable people on here that can help more than me - but I drive my mini in a breastcollar harness. This is the one with the strap around the front, which are normally used for most general driving I think. You can also get full collar harnesses (think heavy horses) - which I think you'd be more likely to use for dragging heavy logs?... You can also get one that's sort of a cross between the two, think it might be French collars?? But not sure

As for training - prob not a lot of difference - I broke my boy myself, and part of his training before he ever went near a carriage was dragging a tyre around - if they can get used to something dragging on the floor behind them they'll be fine with something on wheels!

You can get some really good synthetic harnesses now - I've got one on order at the moment which is costing about £450 (covered webbing so looks leather ish) Lots of good companies online

Hope this helps a little bit - I've learnt a lot from the carriage driving community (very friendly & helpful!!) and the Internet. Good luck! Would love to have a 'working' horse one day - sadly my mini won't be able to drag much more than a big stick lol!

 

[Goldenstar]

Zilco harness is good and all the bits are aviable singly which is good as all mt horses have needed a mixture of cob and full to get their harness comfy .
The pony and carriage website is a good one to look through .
I think the harness set I started with was £800.
I also will echo what said above pulling a carriage and logging are different skills ju
a horse that pulls a carriage will have to taught to log separately .

 

[sandi_84]

Thanks folks Will definitely look into the pony and carriage website and try and learn a bit more

Forgot to say there is a gentleman up the road from me who uses his ponies for logging who I think would be amenable to teaching me what I would need to know for logging

Is teaching to drive something you did yourself too Goldenstar?

 

[ILuvCowparsely]

here is my pony in her harness

 

[pennyturner]

And this is what we mean by an English or full collar.

 

[sandi_84]

Thanks both, very informative (and lovely) pics of ponies in harness

 

[Goldenstar]

Thanks folks Will definitely look into the pony and carriage website and try and learn a bit more

Forgot to say there is a gentleman up the road from me who uses his ponies for logging who I think would be amenable to teaching me what I would need to know for logging

Is teaching to drive something you did yourself too Goldenstar?

No,
I had a groom at the time who was very experianced with competition driving horses .
She taught me and I had a fantasic ex british team horse as a schoolmaster he was fantasic .
And then training from various people now and again.
I had a broken leg when I started so I used to go up the ramp of the Lorry and through the to living the carriage got pushed to the living door I got in the carriage then they put the horse too he was a saint so kind and never took the piss.

 

[flirtygerty]

Try Dragon Driving for starter harness, I have 2 ride n drives, both wear chest harness, ideal for tootling round the local roads with an exercise cart, my cobs harness was under £100, the other one came with harness and cart, lovely way to enjoy your horses

 

[SHCC]

I use my horse for both carriage driving and logging.
When teaching or going for pleasure drives I tend to use breast harness, but when we are working or logging I use full collar and American harness.
My American harness has removable tugs that just clip on and off the harness.

Both my sets of harness are made of webbing. This was a conscious choice for the logging/working set as webbing is easier to cut than leather, and I would be able to cut my mare out of her harness if we got into serious trouble whilst working.

Feel free to PM if you want more information/help etc

 

[sandi_84]

Thanks for the tip flirtygerty, I'll look into that when I've a bit more money on my hands

I use my horse for both carriage driving and logging.
When teaching or going for pleasure drives I tend to use breast harness, but when we are working or logging I use full collar and American harness.
My American harness has removable tugs that just clip on and off the harness.

Both my sets of harness are made of webbing. This was a conscious choice for the logging/working set as webbing is easier to cut than leather, and I would be able to cut my mare out of her harness if we got into serious trouble whilst working.

Feel free to PM if you want more information/help etc

Thank you