How to Harness; Part Four - Putting the Pony and Cart Together

Here it is - the final part of the mini series on how to set up a harness and cart for your horse for the first time.
We hope you have found the videos interesting and useful, and of course, if you have any questions, please feel free to ask.
Enjoy your brew and biscuits!
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[@felicitytoad]

Look how nice and still they all stand for him He does really know what he is talking about 😇😇

[@jenniferlehman2464]

Just watched this series barryhook2. It was so informative! About what to look out for and what to get as equipment for driving. At 53 yrs old, I've been around riding horses since my grandfather introduced me to this fine animal at age 3. We were visiting a friend who had a logging team of Clyde's. One was a gelding, the other a stallion. The stallion had a bit of a reputation as being hard to handle. Whether it was breeding season or not. He would, apparently, charge the stall door and try to bite anyone who was coming in. Well at 3 yrs old, I tamed the wild beast. I grabbed a metal comb and a stiff brush. Opened the door, closed it behind me. When he came over to investigate this tiny human, I did something instinctual. While he was sniffing me and checking me out, I petted his muzzle, when he lowered it, I blew gently into his nostrils. Now at 3 yrs old, there was no way I would be able to brush him. So I plunked myself down by his forelegs. Combed them out carefully, jabbering away, did the same to his hinds, only sat down directly behind him, still talking a blue streak. Then I crawled under his belly, and brushed that as well. Then brushed out all 4 legs with feathers. By this time, my grandfather was looking for me as it was time to leave. The owner found me, and looked like he had been gobsmacked. He called my grandfather over in a low, but urgent, voice, and I'm still talking to Zeus, (horses name) like nothing had changed. I remember the owner was frantic to get me out of that studs stall. Owner tells my grandfather that he wasn't known for being nice. My grandfather, Carl, tells him, "Look at your big, bad stud!! She has him eating out of her hand!! She is in no danger from Zeus." Then he said, ""Look, he has flies on his belly, and he isn't trying to kick them away!! He's falling asleep, but is quite aware of where she is." Then grandfather said, Time to go honey! , I told him that I was fine where I was, and I no want to go home!! I was a bit bossy when I was small, and things didn't change much as I've gotten older, laughing. I finally relented, but not before Zeus lowered his huge head, so I could give him a kiss between the eyes and blow in his nostrils one more time. So I left the stall with the metal comb and the brush. I put them away after cleaning them. The owner opened the door for me, I said, "Thank you for letting me spend time with Zeus, while you and grandfather took care of your business. Mr. Smith, may I come back and see Zeus again?" Mr. Smith said he is too big and too dangerous sweetie. But next time you come there should be babies you can play with. Next visit, where was I?? Back in the stall withes Zeus of course!!! Mr. Smith told my grandfather that he was afraid that I was going to get hurt. My grandfather looked at him and very calmly said, "She is like my Father. A natural with horses. Don't tell her of your fears, because then she will be afraid." But Carl", Mr. Smith said, " She is in a stall with a horse that is 17.3 hands high, and weighs a good 960 kg minimum( about 2100 pounds). One misstep by Zeus, and your granddaughter will need medical help, if she survives". My grandfather said this, "Jack I know you're worried, but look at him, he has one leg cocked, ears are listening to every nonsense thing she says and his eyes have a very gents look in them. She is absolutely fine!!". So I've been kicked, bit, stepped on and thrown off. And at 53, I still go back to riding. For the sheer beauty of the animal and the health benefits. Thank you for your time. So sorry that this is a long post, but all I had to say to Zeus, at 3 yrs old, was stand easy with me. Never had a hair out of place after I said that. And he didn't have a docked tail either!!

[@barryhook2]

Lovely story Jennifer!

[@jenniferlehman2464]

@@barryhook2 I'm 53 now, and you still can't get me way from these beautiful, intelligent creatures. I've never done driving, but as all my instructors have said "you've got the hands for. So that is 1 thing on my bucket list to do before I pass on!! Love your videos, and I've still got a trip to England next year. Just might pop around for a cuppa!

[@susanbrown2909]

Thanks Barry..always interesting films.

[@AndreaDingbatt]

Sticky Toffee Pudding!!❤ Great name for a sweet natured pony!! Thank you Rhi and Barry for making and sharing your videos!! It's Fantastic to see you both think about the horse's safety and comfort First!! (Bless you both for that!!) I have worked for people who don't think like that,,, but never again!! (If you ever need a stable hand, give me a shout!! ) I'd work for folk who have the horse's welfare, health, safety and happiness at Heart!! Best wishes and Kindest regards, Andréa and Critters. ...XxX....

[@Vee-zx6eh]

Thanks Baz, truly helpful. Really good video. Just got a new Zilco harness for the shetland. I am used to the American harness on the Clydesdales so your series super useful. Thanks

[@profe3330]

Such a great series! Thank you. :)

[@christinerussell2657]

Brilliant.Barry. Thank you🐎 🐎💖

[@gailnewcomb8256]

Just my style! This you so much for sharing your experience! ❤

[@DeeinNZ]

Good luck Sticky Toffee Pudding with your new driving career :D . May every drive be a pleasure.

[@oldjohnnybrown]

Very good information. Things I need to know. Thank you Barry!

[@equiholic1ify]

Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge. I wantnto teach my burros to drive.

[@lindalyall100]

Wood love to see how to harness a pair please, thank you for all you grat teaching

[@barryhook2]

Hi Linda, we'll put it on the list!

[@Vee-zx6eh]

Further to my last comment thanking you, I wonder, have you made a video on how to put to a two wheeler or is it the same?

[@barryhook2]

Hi Vee, no we haven't. But year there are differences - less so in terms of how the shafts attached, as that is all the same but a two-wheeler must be balanced correctly to be safe and comfortable.

[@AndreaDingbatt]

​@@barryhook2 And that's the Truth!! I used to drive a Flat Cart, and the balance is absolutely key!! Otherwise the shafts will either Push Down on the horses back or lift and rub the pony/horse.causing problems like bruises and sores!! I was very, very lucky to have been taught how to get the balance correct.... By the person who sold me the Flat Cart originally!! Thank you so much as always, I appreciate your uploads so much!! I'm stuck in bed recovering from pneumonia and your videos are cheering me up!!

[@ravindranaik7762]

Thanks you teach us.

[@LizDavies-z3e]

Why do my shafts push the tugs forward or back not sitting on the saddle many thanks

[@barryhook2]

Can be many things - check your trace length (shafts would end up too far backwards when the horse pulls forward if the traces are too long and vice versa) and short-britching length (shafts would end up too far forwards when the horse is sat in the britching if the short-britching is too long and vice versa). Check your belly band (false girth, overgirth, whichever you choose to call it) is tight enough but not too tight (around three inches of loose space between the belly band and the true girth is right for most). If it is too loose the shafts will 'bounce' and move forwards and backwards and the belly band may rub your horse in the 'armpits'. If it is too tight the shafts won't move at all and can upset or cause rubs to your horse.

[@joshepherd9095]

Thanks Barry. Just wondering about the rubber bits. What exactly do you use?

[@barryhook2]

Hi Johanne, we use ones like these: www.viovet.co.uk/a/c29567 Soft, Flexible, Rubber, Straight-Bar, Mullen-Mouth, Loose-Ring Snaffles.

[@janedmunds4218]

Barry I wish we could get NYC carriage drivers to watch your videos. Their horses are dropping the middle of the street and again another petition going around to ban horse carriages outright...

[@emmawatts2635]

we have a 14.1 trotter x cob would you advise using just a quick hitch harness? and quick hitch cart? Or is breaching better and safer ? many thanks

[@barryhook2]

We would always advise full harness.

[@kevinprice9477]

I see a lot of videos about fizzy horses and horses that are full of energy can you make a video of how to get a lazy horse in harness to trot without wanting to walk all the time

[@barryhook2]

Without seeing a horse, it's impossible to say why it might be being seen as 'lazy' and solve the problem. If we get an example in, we will try to make a video of that horse. Good question, though!

[@kevinprice9477]

I have got a driving cob he will drive anywear he’s so quiet but can be really lazy doesn’t like to trot it isn’t due to my cart it’s light weight he is comfortable nice harness and saddle pad I also teach him stuff like walk passed the going home gate so he doesn’t think to go in strate away he’s a lovely little cob just on the lazy side. then I have another max who is completely different he will trot all day. not that it’s a problem with him being lazy but would be interested to see a video on how to get a lazy horse/pony to trot without wanting to walk all the time because on KZbin theirs a lot of videos about horses that are fizzy full of energy but no videos of lazy horses the videos that are about lazy horses are riding videos and it would be beneficial for someone who has a lazy horse that likes to walk in the cart all the time

[@ruthgriffiths-james537]

Where would I be able to find a buggy like this?

[@barryhook2]

This one is a Hartlands Shetland Sport from Hartlands Carriages, UK.

[@ruthgriffiths-james537]

@@barryhook2 thank you, I will take a look!

[@HobbyHillsVideos]

Do you use an overcheck? I have not seen one in your videos so far.

[@barryhook2]

No, we do not use overchecks unless there is a specific reason - for example with logging work where a horse many be tempted to graze. We will very occasionally use one for safety reasons if a horse is a 'repeat offender' at pulling their bridle off on the pole when stood waiting, but this is usually only a temporary measure.

[@HobbyHillsVideos]

​@@barryhook2 thanks for your reply. I have a mini that I drive on trails and in fields. I have to use an overcheck because of him dropping his head to grab at grass but would rather retrain him not to put his head down while in harness. Do you have any videos that might cover that subject?

[@barryhook2]

@@HobbyHillsVideos Not currently, but we'll take your suggestion onboard for future films!

[@jeanviarengo231]

@@barryhook2 ive a harness bridle that uses an overcheck to the routine bit. The overcheck would not be in play unless attached to the hook or ring at the center if the harness saddle. And then, would have to be significantly snug to be effective in preventing lowering of the head. I have no intention of using this attachment to provide restrictive nature of an overcheck. Again, i need to get my body in good order (cracked knee) to get my new equipment together for another video for you. Again, thank you so much for the wisdom you impart.

[@beckyroly1]

Hi what is the song called played at the end?

[@barryhook2]

Not sure what Stan Garchinski (who wrote it especially for Barry and performed it with his band) would like to call it, but we call it our 'Theme Tune' haha

[@beckyroly1]

@@barryhook2 it's amazing!

[@beckyroly1]

@@barryhook2 I'm guessing there's nowhere to listen to the full song?

[@rebeccaparsler4211]

Might be a stupid question, but you said at one point in the video that sometimes the blinkers get pulled back and the horse can see the carriage, but specify that your horses are trained that it wouldn't worry them. So why does everyone use blinkers? Could a well trained horse just go without? I've heard the argument that it's to prevent them getting distracted or spooked by things at the roadside but horses get ridden past all sorts of things without blinkers. Is it just one of those things it's best to get them accustomed to because it's traditional/required for showing?

[@barryhook2]

Hi Rebecca, not a stupid question at all! You will find a lot of heavy horses (especially on continental Europe) are driven without blinkers. Yes it is mainly for focus and not seeing the carriage - and the drivers / passengers who may stand up / move around, which a riding horse does not have to worry about. We tend to break them in blinkers by owner and showing preference, but also because some insurance companies will dispute claims if the horse not wearing blinkers is involved in an accident on the road. We also do train some horses without blinkers - for example if you search for Simppa's video where we retrained him for traffic, we drove him blinkerless in preparation for his riding. He has since drove both with and without blinkers and drives much the same whichever he uses. We find it is best for them to be accustomed to both!

[@rebeccaparsler4211]

@@barryhook2 thanks for such a detailed reply! I'd seen a few heavy horse teams and even a couple of marathon horses without blinkers but I expect then you dont have such an issue with passengers getting on and off or moving which I could see being distracting. I hadnt ever considered the insurance angle, but that is quite a valid point, a seconds distraction can get you in quite a pickle, although theres plenty of other sources of distraction even with blinkers!

[@EXROBOWIDOW]

At Knott's Berry Farm in California, they drive the Wells Fargo stagecoach four horse hitches without blinkers. Each coach carries a ton of people, too. And California is one of the most lawsuit happy places in the U.S.A. Maybe their insurance company hasn't found out yet...

[@rebeccaparsler4211]

@@EXROBOWIDOW maybe not! Nice to know it works well enough though, I always did wonder if it was partially caused by the showring standard. Young horses might be distractable but older well trained or ride and drive? Surely they have a bit more brain in there, and its probably better to know how they react to suddenly seeing everything BEFORE its in an accident!

[@63Malda]

@@barryhook2 Thank you for this answer. My horse is in driving training right now and the trainer always starts an older, experienced horse (mine is 11 years) without blinkers. She will eventually train the horse to accept blinkers, but she won't use them all the time unless she feels the horse needs them. I'm surprised how many people are upset by the idea of driving without blinkers.

[@rishikumar-ur4ef]

K pic