EARL has a Fancy New Harness!! // Fitting a D-Ring Harness

Today Earl finally has his fancy new harness so Jim is showing how to fit a d-ring harness!
Watch our videos to learn about draft horses- horse logging, horse farming, and horse training! Jim uses Belgian, Percheron, and Suffolk horses to do work on the farm and in the woods. He teaches about harnesses, horse-drawn logging and farming equipment, horse feeding and maintenance, and voice commands for horses. New videos uploaded every week. Keep watching to see how Jim trains his new Suffolk Punch colts as he has trained his full-grown teams!
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[@FinsMom]

Your gentle giants have amazing ground manners . They stand still , don't push and are calm natured . I enjoy learning about the harnesses. Thank you for explaining everything Jim

[@johnking8679]

Yuuup, as a 'City Slicker' it was very interesting seeing what's involved in fitting a new set of harnesses to your magnificent horses !! Thanks for sharing.

[@louisecassidy5991]

And all without crossties. which horses hate. Jim's horses are calm because Jim is calm and trustworthy.

[@janemuir3546]

Bree must be sneaking out to the beach without y'all knowing. She's my kind of girl!

[@JohnFieldingUSA]

Skippy said “I’m outta here” and snuck out the door gap. That was awesome.

[@marthasullivan7521]

Great video. Light could have been a little better but I learned a lot! Thank you. Re sand. My youngsters often ate the sand/dirt at the base of the grass when pulled out of the ground, or ingested as a missing mineral. I always kept a stethoscope handy and listened to the mid belly regularly to hear the sand in the intestines. (Sounds like a crunching paper bag.) If heard, just add a couple of scoops of psyllium husk to their grain/A and M monthly for 3-4 days to clear the sand. Colic is often the result with sand. The older they got the better they avoided the sand. Also, remember that youngsters eat everything as they learn about their world! A home microscope was a handy tool to check for worms. To double check for sand put 4-6 manuer balls in a pail of water and swirl around to separate and pour off the excess water/debris until all that remains is SAND! Cheap and cheerful home check. Earl is looking/training great! Well done. Thanks for sharing you day.

[@donnacollins4924]

i agree with marthasullivan7521.

[@rockingredpoppy9119]

Excellent advice!!!! 💥👍👍👍👍👍

[@TubbyLadyDallas]

Very interesting! I didn't realize the straps were so adjustable. EARL was standing so still while you are moving all around him. Amazing!

[@garycrevier7135]

To you Jim & Brenda, I give my gratitude for your profound connection and sense of appreciation for all of creation. Your profound love of your horses and respect for the beauty of Mother earth working with and for her each and every day is a source of my own daily inspiration for my own spiritual growth in the love of nature. Thank you for taking the time to share your lives with all of us. Don't forget that according to the Farmers Almanac next week Friday the 26th, is National Help a Horse Day. It seems to me that your whole life Jim has been that of helping horses.

[@ronaldtodd4819]

Good call on the harnesses Jim and Brenda. Absolutely beautiful.

[@jeanhawken4482]

I love horse gear. I don’t have horses any more but I still love everything about them.

[@lynnedwards7462]

Thank you, Jim and Brenda. The new harnesses look great but I didn't realise that horses need a tailor to make perfectly fitted garments for them! (Lol)

[@perkirkegaardlemming720]

I don't want to pretend to have a special understanding of horses. 35 years ago I started with horses. It was a start from scratch. I had quite a few acquaintances who had experience with horses, from whom I could seek experience. As a young mason's apprentice, I had previously helped to convert a country property into a completely new, in Denmark, horse hospital, where, among other things, an operating table and recovery room were made. Lennart, the vet was trained in America and a specialist in horses. We had vets who knew about pigs and dairy cows etc., but the horse hospital in Denmark at the beginning of the seventies was revolutionary. Lennart was my vet for my dog, cat and horses, Icelanders. Lennart readily shared his experiences with horses and myths. He told about his experiences with horse paddocks, i.a. about horses on a paddock. Many horse owners practiced having the horses in the dirt paddock most of the day, if they were not in the box, because they could not bear to go to the grass paddock, where they would eat themselves past. When a horse was captured, the horse owner often claimed that the horses had not been given too strong a foot, they had just walked on a dirt paddock where no grass grew, or they had walked on a bitten grass paddock. As Lennart said, no grass on a patch of dirt or a bitten grass patch, no, because the horses bite sprouting grass as soon as they spot it. At the same time that they eat the grass right down to the ground, they get soil/sand with the grass. So the fact that it is safe to have horses on paddocks is a joke. If the grass has been bitten or they are in a paddock, there is a risk of sand in the faeces, especially for hungry horses. Well-intentioned sharing of experiences shared by a horse specialist veterinarian. I don't know if it has something to do with your young mare, but the sand comes from somewhere. I am convinced that you do everything for your horses. Which I enjoy following. 32:01

[@brendahogue5487]

Enjoy your videos and enjoy watching Jim working the horses and the new fancy harness being adjusted to the horses

[@user-wu7sn7ml7v]

Thank you Jim and Brenda. That is beautiful harness Eli is an artist❤❤❤

[@barrycole]

There is no substitute for experience.

[@grandpafischer8317]

I've always liked the "D" harness better than the western style. Nice looking harness on a handsome horse.

[@lucinaramsey4705]

Earl has such a beautiful chestnut color, he’s handsome. 🐴

[@territn8871]

What a handsome boy with his new harness!!!! And Duke will be too! I have grown to love the Suffolk breed. They are gorgeous horses. And Baron is quite the lover boy! He is so gorgeous. I love how he prances. It's as though he knows he's a good looking guy the way he prances and swishes his tail!!!😘 He likes to show off for everyone! Hoping little Bree's parasite treatment will clear her system so she can gain her growth better. I felt so sorry for Kenny. About midway through Earl's harness adjustments, sweet Ken walks around to the gate to watch what was going on. He just looked lonesome and was wishing for some attention❤. I love Kenny so much. You all have such sweet and well mannered horses! Jim's calm demeanor training and working the horses has produced good temperaments! Enjoyed getting to watch how you fit a new harness on Earl! They are so pretty.

[@anniereed1865]

I love y’all! I love watching the horses and Jim! And I adore the way Bill [I think it was] laid his head toward Brenda for love after y’all went for the ride. It was so adorable. These horses love their masters and it’s so easy to see. I have no horses,I’m not brave around horses but my brother and friends had horses so I got to ride horses a bit when I was younger but I was always afraid of falling off lol. But the best thing on earth to me is being on the back of a horse. And Jim, I think you’re a Great Horseman! It shows in the way your horses love you and are so sure of you. I watch y’all pretty often and always will.

[@francrawford3246]

Very informative. Had to chuckle as I thought of the fitting like a lady getting a new "just perfect" fitting on a dress.

[@baitammo4652]

Watching you pulling and adjusting everything on earl made me wonder if he felt like I used to when my Mom would spit shine me for church on Sunday mornings! Ha ha! Looks great!!

[@user-di7in2zx1c]

Jim and Brenda, JIm really did an excellent tutorial on fitting and adjusting a new Biothane/ Nylon Harness. I totally agree with Jim on the seat pad should be 3inches longer than the collar size . example the 26 inch collar has a 20 inch sweat pad for a great fit. A good fitting collar is crucial to a working harness as Jim responded that the horse pushes into the collar to move the load forward. Thank You both for today's educational discussion

[@Ralph94967]

Duke and Earl the New Models on the cat walk LOL

[@annsaenz291]

Earl was so patient in getting to his harnesses adjustment. Love how Skippy came to give you some love. Bree looks so cute and praying she gets better real soon also Bill if he has worms. God bless you Jim and Brenda 🙏❤️❤️🐎

[@ldirk58601]

This is the second time I ve heard about sand in a horses diet in the last week. The Clever Cowgirl on YT just went through this a week ago. I had never heard of this. I hope Bree feels better soon.

[@sueupham2519]

very informative and fun to watch how well Earl has been patient. it's like getting fitted for a wedding gown,,ha. Everything looks nice,and it's great to see Bree again

[@cheryls3162]

Wow Jim you make that complicated maze of straps look easy it's so second nature to you. I'm actually able to identify and name some of the different parts of the harness now. You are an excellent and kind teacher. The red and black harness looks great, I love the decorative studs on the harness itself. I can't wait to see the bridle.

[@jimcour291]

I love the Q&A Jim. While I know you have had many horses, I would like to know what your thoughts are on the different breeds you have worked with. What drawbacks and virtues you have found in the various breeds? In your breeding experience, do you find that certain breeds cross better tan others? Thanks so much for your videos Jim and Brenda!!

[@JackCossairt]

Fitting NEW harness on Young team ! Great job

[@SWAMPHUNTER644]

I have a nylon watch band that I used a drill to open the holes which then frayed. I plan to use a small wire soldering iron to open the holes up and seal the nylon cloth. A small soldering iron is easier to control than a heated nail.

[@JamesMcGill-kr2qk]

Good job Jim that's a lot of information on the harness fitting. I think that Bree must be getting sand from the pasture if she is trying to get grass. I know that's it's early for grass up there but the worms may making her lick the ground. Thanks Brenda for another great video. God bless you and your family. Your love for the horses and training them shows on every video.

[@NotKev2017]

The horses push against the collar and that provides the pull of the wagon or other equipment.

[@maria168755]

Oo that’s beautiful on him ❤ love it

[@user-nk8pr7lw1w]

I always said you needed a dog, glad to see you got one

[@joqlady888]

This rainy day was a perfect time to do this fitting . They are beautiful. lov From South Alabama. (Earl sure has been an excellent model)..You can tell these horses know they are youtube stars..they are looking to see what's goin on. I wanna see Bree..show us Bree. thank you.---I wrote this an posted it and now you are showing us Bree.

[@benzoverakers1877]

Loved seeing the harness fitted. Blessings

[@johnkomosa9508]

Sharp harnesses, nice to see the set-up again, the more your exposed to the harness layout and setup, the more you retain and it starts to make more sense. A hot! nail works good, also I use a soldering iron sometimes, to maintain a nonfading heat source, 25 to 40 watt with a copper nail like tip works slick. Good catch on that loose s.s bracket requiring washers and the missing lock nuts, when your dealing with that much snap pull force! it's got to be right or get hurt, pcs a flying, then spend a half day looking for the pcs...Thank you. Eli will set you up, he is a good guy. Go Earl go! You look sharp buddy. Owe and Leather lines! Wow, thats nice, nothing like leather..for hand feel. Some push,...some pull,.. when Jim logs.. , he lifts! 😊

[@dianabrown833]

I am looking forward to the episodes where you are building the horses big, beautiful box stalls you have planned. That is going to be amazing! Isn't that great you have access to lumber and an Amish friend to help you. The horses are going to love the room to lay down and sleep. Now, that's going to be great!!

[@sheseesyou]

Yes, I agree and a water pail in each stall also.

[@kevinoyler6448]

Jim doesn't like to use box stalls. He has videos where he explains why and shows the horses are able to lie down in the narrow stalls.

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

that's funny, I didn't know I was making any box stalls

[@sherylbartlett3871]

Hi Jim & Brenda....this harness fitting with Earl's new harness was really interesting to me because I know Nothing about them. Regular tack (both English and Western) I pretty much know about, so I learned a lot, however, I couldn't put one on a horse & know if it was sitting correctly or how to adjust it. I do have a better idea though. Bree looked so cute hooked up in a stall like all the "Grown-up" horses. She has really bonded with Duke & Earl......she's like their little sister...Sweet.❤😊. Thanks again for the very interesting video. and God bless........

[@br927]

Jim, That's what I do when I want to make a hole in things! The harness looks nice!

[@TubbyLadyDallas]

That's nice, Ken is able to "spy" on you!

[@ndicroce]

Great video Jim and Brenda!!

[@gaylesmith1738]

Aww...Bree looks so small in the stall!!💕 What a beautiful harness! Wow!! You sure are an expert on so many things!! But, you have been doing this long enough to learn alot!! Experience is the best teacher! It takes awhile with a new, stiff harness, I'm sure! Just thinking...did Buck live a long time at your place like Ken? I hope worming helps Bree & Bill. Great video! 💕

[@Rbbrrmqn146]

Ty, ty!! It's another educational video but you make it interesting. ****At one time, you and Brenda talked about the horse being long. He's still very young. Will he keep growing any longer and/or taller? How old when they stop growing? Thx.

[@orenhicks1051]

The new Horne's looks great.😊

[@NotKev2017]

I think you mean harness. not horne's

[@barryjeffers7829]

Enjoyed the video ,great that the horses are so relaxed and comfortable thanks to Jim s work.

[@joaorockett8392]

Thank you very much for showing your knowledge and work routine, a big hug from Brazil.

[@michaelbissen1946]

Great video! You're a good teacher, Jim. Appreciate all the information! Nice job on the camera, Brenda.

[@karenhood6135]

nice harness thanks for explaining still didnt understand but got a good idea since i dont own horses or ever used them hope bree gets rid of worms once that is done she should gain more weight as for the sand hmmm will wait to see what is up with that

[@jamessparks2691]

Excellent video. Hadn't noticed Bri's weight. I did think when I saw her tied in the stall, at this age she looks like a pony compared to Duke and Earl. She will look bigger this fall for sure.

[@harryjansen6789]

What about Bridles? be well,

[@keithjacobson4493]

It might be worth getting some psyllium for Brie. It can eliminate sand pretty quickly. I’m in sand soil Colorado and some horses seem to accumulate sand. That’s not good.

[@hobbypath9413]

Hi Jim. Can you tell us how tall your horses are?

[@user-di7in2zx1c]

Jim and Brenda , I made a typical error when I stated a 26 inch collar has a 29 inch sweat pad for a good fit. Sorry about that !!!

[@royolstad8532]

The 3 younger horses are a smaller breed. If the strength to work fields and forest of an average Percheron or other full sized average draft horse is a 10, what would the Suffolk Punch be?

[@NotKev2017]

Different breeds so you really can't compare them.

[@johnkomosa9508]

Jim's horses, 11, Baron 12! They are in good shape, but just joking too😊.

[@todd1808]

FYI - The hot nail trick works on leather too.....

[@Wendy-bd9zu]

My young horse eats sand too , i give her psillicum seed sometimes.

[@bighoss8873]

That’s exactly how I’ve put holes in straps before, only difference is I used the pointed end of a round file. Really enjoy your videos and horsemanship

[@user-hu1xg8dl4z]

Yes loved this video , sorry abiut Bree but you have it under control which is Great not that you wouldn't have but looking forward thank you thank you for all the time you take to explain now the feed 😊❤

[@randybutler4772]

Really nice looking harness. Good fitting effort that explains many sizing details. Thank you for sharing.🐴

[@janellevoigt5481]

An old fashion ice pick, heat the pick part up in a flame and push it through the nylon, used to do that with my dogs collar as he grew, it worked, just a thought, love the videos!

[@charliefryer5184]

Yep, been using the ice pick for years with a hand held soldering torch for heat as needed!

[@user-wu7sn7ml7v]

Sand? She may need a mineral supplement?❤

[@ursulaeipert74]

yes mineral deficiency or stomach discomfort?

[@bobogilvie4472]

Very nice harness

[@G.G.999]

Nice harness. Sounds like Brea needs to have a go-pro on a halter for a day when she goes out into the field in order to find out where she's getting the sand from. 😮

[@ironcladranchandforge7292]

Those harnesses are definitely a complicated setup to learn and adjust right. Yes, sand has been a problem for our horses as well, especially considering we live in high desert. We make sure to elevate their food well off the ground and keep the hay well protected in the barn out of wind.

[@andrewmoran7353]

🧐I enjoyed the topic “harness fit “ definitely on point, hope worm situation etc gets resolved, Brenda doing good camera work , education plus 👍👋

[@thirzapeevey2395]

You might want to clarify the point of draft a little. That is one place where I don't think Maurice Telleen was as clear as he could have been in the Draft Horse Primer, but it is the point on the shoulder from which the horse pulls. If it is too high or too low, you can get horrible collar sores, which I have seen happen, not on my horses, but on some others who sub contracted with us from time to time. As I recall, if it is too low, you get sores on the point of the shoulder, and if it is too high, you get sores along the shoulder. It is also affected by the adjustment of the harness, for instance, where you were showing the backband being too tight, it will actually put weight on the horses' back instead of merely pulling from the collar, and alter the angle of draft so that the point of draft is affected. Your horse will be carrying the load on their back instead of pulling it from the collar. You can have the same problem if the lazy straps are adjusted too tight, so that the horse will be carrying the load from the top of their butt, instead of pulling it from the collar. The length of the trace will also effect the angle of draft. You are much more expert on this stuff than I am, but I'm just trying to break it down and make it clearer for beginners. As I recall, you want a right angle between the hame and the trace. If the traces are short, it will pick up the front of the load, which may be a good thing for logging, I don't know. As I recall, longer traces make it easier to pull for things like plowing or disc harrowing. I never mastered plowing, but I did a fair bit of harrowing. I never had sore shoulders on my horses, so I guess I must have been doing something right. A lot of the Kentucky/Tennessee work harnesses have hame hooks on the hames, so you can move the point of draft up or down on the hames as needed, and I did have some of that harness when I was a kid. Mostly I used an old set of what you call western harness, which came from the New Holland auction in Pa, so not very far west. 😀 It was way too big for my ponies, but we made it work.

[@gailgaddy5340]

Harness looks great Bree is so 😍 pretty

[@rescuerosie8555]

I had a stallion that loved to rub his nose in the dirt. And he would actually lick it. And we traded in our white salt blocks for the mineral blocks and and that seems to take care of his quest to find minerals out of the Dirt. We also did a vitamin and mineral supplement to get him built up. And that made a huge difference. They also can get worms from the dirt. So try a Vitamin and mineral supplement and a brown mineral block. It definitely worked for our horse. Enjoy your channel totally thank you.

[@arlysdavis3694]

The Suffolk breed seems to be so willing and easier throwing the harness on a shorter horse

[@marcduclos9789]

Bree has to get it going to make the photo album of fame with Mack.

[@marks7502]

EARL!

[@johnhenderson299]

Beautiful harness great info video

[@michaelmeyers1827]

Hi Jim and Brenda

[@shyiann23]

👍👍👍

[@RobertJones-oe4jf]

Jim I am a member Leeds County Draft horse club we offer a hitchin day May 4 that novices or people just wanting to drive work horses can have a chance to . This is a great way to know wether work horses are for you

[@leonardryan8723]

Overall good video Jim and Brenda 😊.

[@RobertJones-ey9qz]

Is it possible Bree is deficient in a mineral and is eating some dirt trying to get it? Just a thought.

[@mariephenix7168]

So interesting! Thanks

[@suepeterson5675]

Thank You !

[@errolskjaveland9708]

Wow awesome thank for sharing very helpful to understand

[@stephaniemize321]

So glad you showed us Bree. She’s so pretty. Jim what do you think about her confirmation? Is she as good as Baron?

[@mr.howard3140]

Do you have salt or mineral blocks out on the ground even if years ago they will still go back and lick the dirt

[@richardsurber8226]

Beauty eh? Thanks for q a good video.

[@randywaite4573]

Very informative. Great looking harness. Too bad about the missing hooks and straps. Does the narrow harness over the rump rub on the horse and cause sores?

[@RickLebel]

A question I wanted to ask, William is helping out with farm chores and mill work. Any plans to have him help you out on the woodlots, either using the cart to haul logs, or even learning to cut with a chain saw, thanks

[@DonnyAB]

I’ve seen Jim and William together in the bush cutting and hauling together. Past films.

[@jimputnam2044]

Nice harness ,but the horse is saying new harness is stiff like new work boots LOL

[@rodneyjones5907]

Bree might be getting the sand in the pasture

[@tammytaylor1278]

Hi Brenda!

[@dicklem]

I use a propane torch to heat the nail red hot.

[@rolandtaken7328]

When will the colts be shod?

[@dianestoltz8502]

You are good problem solver

[@kennethowens1956]

When do we get to see Duke and Earl working together as the team?

[@johnking8679]

I have one question on the harnesses and that is, what is the approximate cost of one set of brand-new harnesses ? With the material costs and the labour cost, I'm sure they're NOT cheap ? BTW - based on using the harnesses five days per week, how long can a set of harnesses last ? Those new harnesses, once Eli has finished them are sure beautiful !!

[@louisecassidy5991]

Jim, best if you shift Bree the day after you worm her, for longer lasting results. I hate seeing horses in cross ties. A good horse shouldn't need them. Are people so incompetent they cannot move the horse over when they go to the other side? In cross ties a horse cannot relax, nor can he even shake a fly properly. If people taught their horses to control themselves, to stand, and "get over" then cross ties would be unnecessary. Realise that standing loose and relaxed for grooming and harnessing, moving him as needed to reach the other side, is a communion, a vital part of a mutual relationship. While crossties have likely been about for thousands of years, this current use of them is a recent thing. All I ever had was a rail, or a gum tree. A "horse tree" right outside the house. could tie 3 or 4 and deal with them in the shade. Somewhere they would often come to doze. Greetings from Australia.

[@Navet63]

Is that an outdoor furnace? You've probably shown it a previous video, but this is the first time I'm seeing it. Very cool.

[@elenalychkina8127]

💖

[@JohnPCurry-xi3qg]

Unrelated to horses and harness. You use a lot of manure on your fields - nitrogen, but then you have a lot. What do about phosphorus and potassium in your fields, or do you just not worry about it and go with the green. Love your series. It's getting to be a 'don't miss' for me. Cheers --

[@janellevoigt5481]

Is she picking the sand up from eating grass? Love the videos!

[@gregholl5011]

There was a time when i hadnt driven my mares for awhile. And someone had moved my harness. When i w 20:21 ent to put them on the harness was all twisted! It.took me an hour toget it all straight and on both horses. Dad said "gee tractors are better, you just hook up and go" i said "if someone hadnt twisted them i could have done this in 5 minutes like i had many times"

[@Tabby123ify]

Jim, do you talk to your horses? I have yet to see you talk to them other than give them orders have a nice day...Hi Brenda, I know you talk to them😊

[@sueupham2519]

???????

[@todd1808]

Doesn't seem like he's that kind of guy. All business.....

[@DonnyAB]

I think too, it’s the non-verbal communication Jim has with his horses. When he uses his whip, it’s a touch - not a “whip.” When he pulls on a rein, it’s a gentle pull. When he does verbalize orders, it’s not a yell, but gentle voices. The horses sense Jim’s love for them through all his constant verbal and non-verbal communications with them. What amazes me with Jim and all his horses, and William is sure catching on…. It’s how precisely his horses follow his commands. It’s just like Jim and his horses were truck and trailer together. William and Jim make it look so easy, but they’re amazing at horse control. Brenda does such a great job too always petting, brushing and talking to all their horses. Good point though Tabby. Let’s see what Jim has to say.

[@patricia.g1651]

Beautiful harness! Are the shiny metal studs just decorative or do serve a purpose? PS: Hope your rains end soon or you'll have to change your title to "Working Seahorses With Jim" 😊