Types of horse harness

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In the modern world, a carriage tucked into a horse harness evokes a storm of emotions on the streets of cities. We seem to find ourselves in a fairy tale, there is nostalgia for the times when such carts scurried through the streets of villages and villages.

Horse harness

The European horse is entertainment and pleasure, and in the 19th century it was an indispensable human helper, the main breadwinner in a peasant's family. Plowing in the field, transporting people, goods - all the hard work fell on her. Horses were the first assistants in conquering lands, transporting military equipment, traveling, etc.

Those who kept a horse on the farm understood that it would help provide for the family. Every person, regardless of age, knew that to prolong the life of a horse, not only constant care was important, but also good equipment that did not overload the neck, high-quality and correctly sized harness. What horse harnesses are there? Can you make them yourself? What are the criteria to pay attention to when choosing a horse control?

What is horse harness

Terms such as horse harness or harness are called the totality of all devices that provide the ability to control the animal, being located behind it in the cart. In other words, this name implies a set of belts with a bridle and reins, put on the body of the animal and allowing you to control the trajectory of the horse. The word harness in the dictionary has the following synonyms: harness, harness, harness.

People who masterfully own a harness of horses are called:

• coachman;
• coachman;
• riding;
• cab;
• the driver, etc.

Only they get the right to control the horse by means of the reins attached to the bridle.

In order not to hurt the animal while riding, you need to correctly select and fit all the elements that make up the device. If the belts are not tightened correctly, then in contact with the body, you can get a "burn" of soft tissues or other damage. As a result, the horse's performance will decrease.

Origin and history

According to archaeologists, the first horse-drawn carriage was invented by man around 2000 BC. e. Since the old carts were simple and primitive, it is easy to guess that the harnesses were also matched to them.

The Persians were the first to notice the beauty of the harness. When they began to use four mares harnessed to closed carriages, then the idea came up to make a harness for a horse that was both beautiful and allowed to evenly distribute the load while riding.

Later, horse-drawn carts appeared among the Greeks (where much attention was paid to their manufacture). The richer the owner, the more colorful the horse harness was. Among the Romans, chariots equipped with the simplest designs were widespread, but the details of the harness were distinguished by splendor, were trimmed with gold, and jewelry with precious stones was also used.In the arenas, such a team of horses could be seen from afar.

In the middle of the 19th century, in connection with the appearance of carriages and carriages on the streets, the beauty of horse harness returned to fashion. Today, three-horse harness is decorated with bells. It is not known exactly where this tradition came from, but according to one version, they were hung up so that the coachman (coachman) would not fall asleep on the long journey.

Today, horses are used in private households, in sports and competitions, as well as for entertainment.

What the harness consists of

The harness elements in each outfit are approximately the same, so it makes sense to consider each harness element:

• Clamp. Perhaps this is the most important part of the harness, the task of which is to evenly distribute the weight of the cart on the neck and shoulder of the horse's spine. This element is placed near the withers and along the base of the neck. It should not interfere with the horse's movement and breathing correctly. The dimensions of the clamp are chosen not too wide or too long so that no damage appears on the horse's body. The attachment, called the upper retaining strap (belt bow), requires constant checking to avoid breaking.
• Bridle. A bridle is put on the head. It can be with one or several bits or without them.
• Shlea. The use of a harness when moving the mare provides a tight hold of the clamp. The harness includes leather longitudinal, transverse and sloping belts.
• Rein.

These harness parts provide remote control of the horse. Includes two reins, left and right (one longer than the other). Their edges are connected to the bit.

The parts in question are made in the form of durable smooth (without rings and additional fasteners) belts. At the end of the left reins - a finger loop, at the end of the right - a buckle or hole.

• The girth is a wide, strong strap for securing the saddle.
• Also in the outfit there is an emergency latch, in case of danger, the pin is removed, and the horse is disconnected from the crew.
• Blinders are put on the eyes without touching them. You need these harness pieces to eliminate distractions for your mount and keep your crew safe.
• Saddle holders so that the blinkers do not vibrate from the air flow (needed to avoid additional excitement of the horse).
• It is better to decorate the headband of the racers with one motif so that the group in front looks harmonious.

This is what the device is made of, which is used by the one who drives the horse harness.

Types of harnesses

Over time, the harness device was changed several times (one arc was added, the other was removed, transformed), depending on the use and the number of animals harnessed to the cart. Currently, there are 3 types of horse harnesses:

• Agricultural. There is one individual or a pair of horses in the team.
• Transport. They are multi-horse (three or more). Usage - transportation of goods, cargo, people.
• Exit or ceremonial (for example, in the summer - for weddings, in the winter - for sleds). They used a different number of horses (2 or more).

Therefore, depending on the purpose of the harness, they began to produce it (you need to strengthen the main part, decorate the other, etc.).

Varieties of harness

Currently, there are the following types of harness:

• Post-line. Such a model does not have a drawbar and a shaft, and there is also no wooden part (arc) in it. The devices under consideration are most often equipped with an additional hand brake, since when moving forward it is impossible to hold the carriage (traction is made due to the clamp and strings).
• Combined. This variation is adapted to large and strong horses (sometimes it is also used for bulls). Usually they use 6-8 horses, each of which performs its own function (they follow each other). For example, the straps are harnessed to the rootstocks. Their task is to turn the carriage. Roots are the strongest and tallest, which allows them to restrain the crew. Outriggers are placed at the beginning, which set the pace and trajectory.
• Tachanochnaya.Today it looks a bit outdated. In the center, a pair of work horses are harnessed to the drawbar, the lateral horses are behind the trims, the carts are not used. The strings are attached to the vagas.
• Post-row-drawbar. The main thing in this harness is the drawbar (used as a movement regulator and for turning the carriage). Suitable for one-horse and two-horse harness.
• Zug. Six working horses are used, the wheel-horses are attached to the drawbar, the rest of the horses in the harness are portable.
• Single-horse (European harness) arc and arcless. Both types are harnessed to one horse. In an arcless harness, the entire weight of the carriage is provided by the harness.

There are 2 types of harness: bib and collar. The collar is made to fit the animal, and the bibs are buckled to fit the horse.

Now you know what each type of harness consists of, therefore, you can easily choose a harness for one or another purpose.

A completely ready-made harness is cheaper when buying. But it happens that not all items are suitable for your animal, so it is recommended to buy parts separately.

How to manage horses

An experienced rider uses 3 basic commands to control a horse:

• Body - a tilt to the side, which the rider will apply, the horse will understand what is required of him.
• Reins - the horse is heading in a certain direction.
• Schenkel - the rider's legs are located on the sides of the horse.

Additionally, a whip and spurs are used. Although the whip looks intimidating, it does not harm the horse. Spurs are used to enhance the action of the leg.

Competitions, horse racing and horse riding

Horse racing is a competition that cannot leave indifferent equestrian sports enthusiasts. The atmosphere is mesmerizing, but few of the audience think about how important the technical side is: equipping a horse with a harness.

Horse training, tactics, harness preparation are the main stages of preparation for the competition. Any type of harness must be safe for both humans and animals. In any case, whether it is a pony ride, winning an elite competition, simply running in single file, winning titles, the master must always ensure the safety of the horses.

In some peoples it is customary to sit on a horse without special means. In reality, it is better not to do this, because even the most flexible horse can show excitement and aggression.

Today, there are many equestrian clubs that provide the opportunity, with the help of a trainer, to get acquainted with horses, learn riding techniques and, accordingly, harness elements. Despite the fact that the process there takes place under the supervision of a trainer, one should not forget about preparation (check the saddle, reins, remember the correct fit) and contact with the animal. After the horse has saddled, you should not approach it from behind, you must always be in the field of view of the animal.

Correct fit: relaxed shoulders and arms with a straight back, toe above the heel, head slightly raised, gaze directed forward to the center between the ears. You should not bend forward or backward.

Horse riding implies a posture in which the seat must not be lifted from the saddle. You need to lead the animal with the body. For example, the rider's forward tilt prompts the horse to move forward, the backward tilt is the command to stop, the body tilt is the direction of movement. In order not to fill yourself with cones, you need to move with the horse at the same pace. Before getting off the horse, you should calmly let go of the rein and get your legs out of the stirrups.

Horse harnessing instructions

It is necessary to put on the harness carefully so that no arc of which the harness consists can rub the delicate skin of the horse, and the pole does not interfere with movement. Step by step guide:

• When putting on the bib, the distance above the sternum should be about the width of your palm. The collar is put on over the head upside down (narrow end down). It is allowed to turn it over only after the ears have climbed through. If a fist is inserted between the clamp and the body, it means that it is put on correctly.
• Harness is put on the shoulder straps, slowly tightening the girth. The back strap (belt arch) runs smoothly along the back, adjusting it, it remains to be connected to the shoulder guard.
• Only after straightening the tail is the back strap fitted and secured. Then the strings are attached and the reins are passed through the rings and connected to the bit. So, the headband is in place, it remains to check the links in the groove (they are not twisted around the chin chain).
• Next, an assistant will come in handy, who will push the cart (stroller) to the mare. The shafts need to be raised, only then the delicate skin of the animal will not be hurt. Having lowered the shafts, you need to tie them to the strings. The hinges should be in front of the staples to avoid strong lifting. It is necessary to attach a post with a harness, which must remain horizontal (parallel to the ground).
• Finally, you need to tighten the girth.

You also need to unharness the horse correctly. This procedure is performed in a mirror-like manner. Having freed the horse from the cart, it is required to inspect the harness so that it does not fray, and the animal - for bodily harm.

Harness cleaning

Naturally, after work, the harness is soaked in sweat, so it needs some care. To remove dirt, you need to scrub it thoroughly with your hands using a damp sponge.

2 times a month, you need to wipe all parts of the harness and the handrail with saddle soap, having previously disconnected them. Then you need to allow the elements to dry naturally (without sunlight), otherwise they will begin to crack.

It is important to lubricate the washed harness with wax, except for premium leather (patented), which is wiped with a soft, dried cloth. Even after drying, they are lubricated with either fat or technical oil.

Harness storage

After use, it is necessary to hang the harness on a specially prepared hanger. The room must be well ventilated.

To make your work easier and to preserve the harness, you can use hangers on wheels that roll up to the horse, with a separate hook for each element. We must not forget about the whip (if you do not straighten it, it will be bent).

The quality of the belts means safety while driving. The harness should be light, but strong, easy to maintain, and in case of breakage - without difficulty in repair.

Before harnessing the horse, make sure that the harness is in good working order (belts, buckles, latches are intact). You also need to check the inside for debris or creases.

Horse harness is an integral part of a safe carriage, the choice of which depends on the type of vehicle chosen. The one who controls the horses will have to remember that the harness should be on the animal in the same way as the underwear on the person. Only then management will not cause discomfort to the mare and the coachman.