How do you know if a Harness Fits Correctly???? // Fitting a Draft Horse Harness

Our friend, Will, stopped by with his horse, Tess, to get some tips on fitting a draft horse harness. Jim shares how to know if your harness fits correctly and they make some adjustments to Tess's harness so she can pull loads better. They make adjustments to the collar and hames so that the harness fits correctly.
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Watch our videos to learn about draft horses- horse logging, horses 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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[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Merry Christmas! 🎄 We still have a few 2022 calendars left for sale at workinghorseswithjim.com/shop ❗❗

[@peewee.3138]

My parents in New Brunswick got their calendars that I sent them last week and just LOVED them!

[@toothbrushersandbalaamsdon5817]

😊

[@GardengateDreamer]

I need a helpful neighbor like Him, he's awesome and so helpful.

[@davidmunro1469]

Thanks Jim when I saw this mare I thought the colts and foals will be wonderful.

[@Cornishaich]

We all need a mentor like you Jim.

[@briannapier8337]

Good info on collars, I couldn't help but laugh when Brenda insisted on cleaning up the pads, reminded me of my Mom lol.

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Glad you enjoyed

[@ellencarver5575]

I really enjoyed this video it’s very informative I never realised there was such a lot of intricate details on horse harnesses. Every day is a school day we are never to old to learn. Thank you for sharing this with us

[@angelawolstenholme9964]

Always enjoy watching yr videos. I worked with horses all my life in various disciplines but never got into harness working. I wish KZbin had been around when I was young enough to be able to have a go.

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@johnking8679]

As a "city slicker" living in San Diego, I have learned a lot about these beautiful horses. Jim certainly knows his "stuff" when it comes to these horses !! Great instructional video, Jim and Brenda !! Thanks for sharing !!

[@Elizabeth-arb22]

Well said, Ellen Carver! I agree. And yes, Jim, thanks for sharing this very interesting video.

[@bmarquart1]

A Handy guide to fitting draft horse harnesses with the right size collars so they can pull better. Really interesting . We’re three generations quarantined in a flat in Poland thru Christmas, so your videos with the horses and outdoors is a welcome diversion!

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Glad the videos can help during this time. Thanks for watching

[@joycehennequin8469]

Happy Christmas to you all,stay safe and warm 😊

[@rickcline2762]

It was very nice of you to take time out of your busy day to help your friend with his harness. You are a good neighbor.

[@robertschilling3308]

What a sweet horse. She deserves some special treats for being such a darling sweet horse. Talk about patience. Woweee. She is going to be fantastic when you finally get her harnessed correctly. Nice video. 👍👍👍

[@robertmarino2158]

Jim is so helpful , what talent , stay safe , enjoy !

[@territn8871]

This was very educational for me to understand better how the collar and hames work together. Sure hope his horse does better with a different collar. Jim, you are so nice to help a friend and loan him one of your collars to see if it fits better. He sure had a sweet horse.

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Glad it was helpful. Yes, she is a very nice horse

[@cwpetersonschannelofthings7785]

Jim, A very good video and a must watch !.! The ability to 'fine tune' the fit of a harness and collar is something that has been lost to a lot of people who work horses today. The vast majority of people who work horses do so on a hobbyist basis and the finer aspects of an ill fitting harness or collar don't usually affect their horses. Horses like to work and just like people they will push through the aches and pains caused by an improper fit for a short period of time. However, when worked for extended periods of time, those little things add up and take their toll. In my experience, the two biggest and most critical issues to make your horse continue to want to work for you are collar fit and line of draft. The ability to consult with someone who has actually worked horses on a full time basis (something as rare as hen's teeth today) is priceless. Working horses is so much more than just hitching them to something and getting down to business - it's about the relationship that exists between you and your horse. They will give you everything they have as long as you give them the same in return. A horse will tell you something is wrong if you are keen enough to see it. Andy's mare was telling him something was amiss through her body language and I commend him for being observant enough to notice what the horse was saying. I laud him even further for asking someone with more experience to help. Just my $2.00's worth … I wish You and Yours a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year !.! CW Peterson Grass Valley, California: USA

[@amyharrell251]

It is a blessing to help your friend.

[@kimfleury]

Thank you Will, Jim and Brenda for braving the chill to educate us! Enjoyed the video as always 💕🐎 Will's horse seems to have a big heart - tried to get her head through the collar that didn't fit, and tries to pull the load even when the equipment doesn't let her. What a sweetie.

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Thanks for watching, yes, she is a very nice mare

[@stanhensley3082]

Jim,you are one very good a teacher. One of the best part of farming is to share knowledge with others It's called neighboring. Thanks 😊.

[@robertfarnell8770]

Loved helping people with their harness to fit their horses but find it very difficult now I've a spinal injury so I just sit and repair and mend collars and harnesses gin does an excellent job with horses nice to see stay safe from England 🇬🇧 👍

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Sounds as if you are still doing a very important and needed thing, keep up the good work and thanks for sharing

[@sueupham2519]

Nice to be neighborly,,,so kind ..great also to see another video...

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Thanks for watching, Sue

[@renee459]

This was perfect for me to watch today. I injured my shoulder recently and am having issues

[@Peter-gi3re]

What a beautiful horse, so calm and placid. I know zero about horses and all the gear you are using but I felt right away that original collar was too small. After watching this video I have a better understanding of how all the harness gear works. I can see it is super important to have the correct size harness components on your horse. If you don’t I can see how it would cause a lot of problems for the poor horse. It would be like trying to go hiking with boots too small or too large ….. it would hurt like hell. BRENDA………. Love the way you tried to get these hard ass men to try and clean the stuff up they were using. You are such a sweet lady. I totally agreed with you …….. like c’mon guys, take a few minutes and clean this stuff up. I am sure a little bit of cleaning and maintenance will make everything last a lot longer and maybe even be more comfortable for the horse. Also, I get the feeling that when the weather is cold it can effect how well this stuff fits on the horse. Great video.

[@joycehennequin8469]

Great comment 👍

[@andrei.vb1989]

Jim is a great teamster and a great teacher! Thank you for the work you put on youtube and I wish you all the best!

[@biddydibdab9180]

Great video. How did I miss it in December? I’ll have to see if there’s a followup on how the different collar worked.

[@jameswest332]

How I enjoy your Videos, this one reminds me of watching my grandpa fitting up the harness on a horse, mule ,pony, didn't mater He was an expert ! He passed while I was in Nam and the Greadie got rid of everything including the farm before I got back . !!

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@kevinallen8072]

Good educational video. Never knew alot of adjustments that need made.

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Glad it was helpful!

[@BonnyCurless]

I’ve been watching so many of your videos that I’ve noticed I have picked up some of your accent Jim when I am working and speaking to my horses! Especially the Whoa! 😆 BTW: Great video on Collar and Hames fit!

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Haha! Thanks for watching!

[@kopenhagenkid]

Great video Jim and Brenda

[@LabRat14]

She is a sweetheart! I love to listen/watch you hitching up the horses. I've learned so much😊

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Glad it helps, thanks for watching

[@jerryjarrell2373]

Thank's for sharing Jim that was very interesting your neighbors are very lucky to have you as a neighbor merry Christmas

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Same to you!

[@rockybernard2997]

fascinating...those collars all look the same, until they aren't the same. Lovely Mare! TY.

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Right!

[@kopenhagenkid]

Beautiful horse 🐴

[@virginiareznik2715]

C Love this horse! Can we see her working? Such a nice disposition.

[@johnboscor.582]

i am regularly watching your videos. I like it

[@mcrickyd32]

That was a fun video I like when you walk through setting up the gear like this on another horse. Maybe sometime you can do a video discussing dispositions of your horses and how they work together or if you have your horse work with another person's horse what are things you have to be mindful of.

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Yes, sounds like a very dependable horse. Glad everything worked out ok in that situation

[@benzoverakers1877]

Great that you share knowledge like this!!!!

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Glad it was helpful!

[@joycehennequin8469]

Good afternoon Jim and Brenda 😊 Really enjoyed this video,the gentleman Will is it definitely went to the right place.lf anyone can sort this lm positive Jim can,l know he would be the person l would go to.All your experience is paying off and you should be incredibly proud of yourself Jim l know your family are,l am and the rest of your subscribers are too 😊 Whar a beautiful horse she is and so kind,for a moment l thought you had bought another horse,didn't Ken look good with her.All the very best 🌱🌱🌱💕

[@danamelby4090]

Nice looking horse! Very educational thanks for sharing

[@shoutingatclouds6841]

I like his horse she’s so sweet.

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

she is sweet

[@watchingnwaiting5264]

@@WorkingHorsesWithJim What is her name? If it was said I didn't catch it. 😊

[@kimcwhite6509]

What a nice, quiet and beautiful mare! Her owner tries really hard to ensure the right set-up for her. Those harnesses are very expensive, perhaps more affordable in Amish country.

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Yes they are!

[@henrydeyoung7689]

Very interesting video. Doing a great job of explaining things, Jim.

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Chameshi]

Thanks Will and Jim for sharing this learning opportunity! It looks a lot like trying to find a shoe that fits, even if they're the same size there are different shapes XD

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Yes, that is very true

[@mishloud4215]

That was very interesting. I hope we can see follow-up on this to see how Tess is doing.

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

we will try to keep you posted

[@kswaynes7569]

Good educational collar video. Brenda, you were freezing!

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

I was

[@jerrybaldwin7543]

Nothing better then all those years of experience for sure good job Mr Jim 👏

[@luciuslawrimore678]

Take the pad off of the collar and drop the top hame strap down to the bottom notch of the ratchet to make the hames fit the collar better

[@harveyotoole2029]

Great video Jim. Be sure and let us know how Will and Tess made out with the new collar.

[@paulcoomber4009]

I was taught to put the collar on upside down and turn it when behind the ears. Very interesting video. Have a good Christmas.

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

A lot of people do it that way, I prefer the way I do it. Thanks, Merry Christmas

[@dannyboy7086]

outstanding. what a wonderful way to learn.. thxs Jim and Will

[@jamescox8233]

jim i enjoyed this video about fitting draft horses harnesses very much. may i say you sure know your stuff. say hi to abby, and trudy for me . may god look down and bless you all ....jom dartmouth nova scotia , canada.

[@farmerpete5936]

Enjoyed the video. I like how you make the time to help others getting into using horses. You gladly share your knowledge and experience working with others. You are a very nice, kind, and good person. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Thanks for watching! Merry Christmas to your family!

[@daleevans4261]

That was a fabulous video. Thank you.

[@hattiemercer5764]

I agree I like how you shared your experience with your friends, loved the video

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Thanks for watching!

[@parnold-mora8924]

Very interesting video Jim. You really love sharing your expertise with anyone who is in need of help while keeping an open mind to other opinions. Farmers make the best neighbors.

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Thanks 👍

[@timothymoore2672]

Always something to learn, thanks Jim for the lessons.

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jakegrubb7630]

I believe that horse really needs a 26in collar so it will sit right at the front of the shoulder but that's my opinion but it sure looks like it. She's a stocky build horse !! 🍻

[@jimwillis8747]

Jim that's a beautiful mare your friend has she would great to to breed with either duke or Earl her disposition matches with your two boys that would be a great horse not too tall and I believe easy to train.

[@ellisc.foleyjr9778]

Great Video, it's amazing what you can learn from other people and how they do things. nice to see Jim sharing his knowledge with someone and helping to pass along these Pearls Of wisdom that comes from experience,time, and work efforts. Thanks for sharing. ECF

[@printaboul]

Mrs Brenda, I like the comments you insert here and there. «she's sweet» «she's used to being alone» «she's so cute» « Hein! They're looking at each other» ... Horse personnality, their social life, the way they interact ... those things interest me.

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Thanks!

[@randybutler4772]

Good video. Very interesting and educational. Thank you for sharing and to your friend for the loan of his mare. Can we see her work?

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Maybe sometime! I would like to film her working

[@sarahburkdorf8338]

Thanks for the video ! Such good information !

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Glad it was helpful!

[@todd1808]

Master Teamster!!

[@stuglenn1112]

11:28 slide the collar over the head up side down so the larger part goes over the head. Then once past the ears and on the neck rotate the collar right side up.

[@douglasbruce1713]

Thanks for sharing.

[@howardbenoit7474]

very smart man nfld canada

[@everettskinner8195]

Did it work out ?

[@hannahives9209]

Is there any way to measure a horse for a collar without trying on several?

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Not that I know of accurately

[@SFD-Horses]

Very good information. I love how your wife cleans out the inside of the sweat pad. Lol I would have done that also. Lol men will be men.

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Thanks for watching, haha, you're right!

[@jamesmorrison1884]

Great video have a good day

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Thanks, you too!

[@jondoe-mf9qy]

Boy did I learn a lot thanks

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

thanks for watching

[@huntermills3992]

I can't remember now I used to but how do u measure the Hames? From the bottom of the hame ball of the top of the adjuster??

[@agranetmedia2667]

If that mare is, in fact, a Percheron - Suffolk cross, mating her to one of the Suffolk colts next year would get a nice, mostly Suffolk foal. And since Black is dominant over Red, Will might just get a nice horse to team with his mare in a few years.

[@ryanrhees9551]

Have him get ahold of coblentz collar in millersburge Ohio

[@tracyblack1509]

If a farrier has an issue with the owner being around and watching their work, you need to find another farrier that has the confidence and knowledge of their work. That was a red flag for me, when Jim said he didn’t liked to be watched. ? 12.31.

[@suzanneyoung8011]

Pretty mare and well mannered. Interesting to see a Percheron/Suffolk cross. She got her shorter stature from the Suffolk and her color from the Percheron because the black color is more dominant than the chestnut. Is this the same guy who had the quarter mare last year or quarter cross? What's become of her? She is probably more suitable for riding.

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

She is a nice horse. No, different guy. He still has her, not sure how much he is working her

[@br927]

The horse doesn't look 1700! That horse is bigger than it looks if a 24 don't fit it!! your right about the collar, and the hames do look like they have been heated! It would be interesting to find out if that collar did work!

[@Nordic_Mechanic]

the collar slips on easier upside down, then you can turn it once it passes the ears. Gives more room for those big eyes

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Some people do it that way, I prefer it my way. These heavy collars with sweat pads make it extremely hard to turn around, if it's even possible

[@Nordic_Mechanic]

@@WorkingHorsesWithJim I understand it can't work for all collars and horses. Sometimes we are too focused and used to a way to notice the possible simple changes like that.

[@thierrytalon8600]

A 26 inch collar measures app. 65 cm

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Thanks for sharing

[@buffranchAB]

some are extra dirty and some aren't " hahahahahaha

[@Nordic_Mechanic]

how tall is Ken?

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

about 17 hands

[@Nordic_Mechanic]

@@WorkingHorsesWithJim Figure it would be tall at 1900lbs. You are much taller than me then by comparison. My white shire mare would make a prefect team. She's a bit over 17hh and 2100 last weight in. She'd give him a run for his money :D

[@johnnyllooddte3415]

ahahaha merry Christmas yall.. if it doesnt fit, youll know it with a draft horse...ahahaha

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

very true

[@badrbadr3317]

👍👍

[@thierrytalon8600]

One foot is 12 inches equals app. 30cm.

[@Chickenman62]

the videographer sure has a lot of cute comments.

[@bobanmilosevic3897]

👍👍👍🙂COOL

[@georgestarling9367]

Who is on first?

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

not sure what you mean

[@pixiew93]

I can see a line in her neck where that collar was sitting. Poor girl

[@290wayne]

Like the trial an error.. sometimes you never know... Why didn't you ask Eli....

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Sometimes that's how you learn

[@ednarobinson3424]

I can tell that the collar is too small. To me it needs to be lower on her. That one is too high on her. It makes me hurt for her. Lol ❤️🇺🇸

[@jimputnam2044]

LOL Brenda sounds like my wife, you gonna use that before you wash it?

[@rodneywroten2994]

Seems to me it should be resting on the shoulder . what you said at first it looked to be choking the horse. This also looks that way.. Sorry just my opinion

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

It's ok to share your opinion

[@rodneywroten2994]

@@WorkingHorsesWithJim You are right Mr Jim I went and looked up this and you explained it perfect. So i stand corrected. Thanks

[@dannygoin6552]

🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸☕️☕️☕️👋👋👋👀👀👀🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@joecalvi9836]

brichen to low

[@kenhurley4441]

That's what I thought. Needs to be an inch or so higher. Maybe he'll adjust that once a load pull has been done.

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Wasn't really paying attention to the brichen right since he's just skidding logs

[@АлексейПреловский-ю4б]

👍👍👍