How To Harness; Part Two - Fitting the Harness to the Pony

Maybe two brews this time - and a whole pack of biscuits!
In this half an hour video, Barry shows how to fit your compiled harness pieces to your pony and discusses how to make and use possible additions (a makeshift piece we use often here at Horse Drawn Pro) to the set which may make things easier and safer for your pony and driving.
If you haven't quite got time to watch it all at once, or want to skip through to pieces you need to know about, here's a guide:
1:43 - Breast Collar
6:29 - Back Half of the Harness (Saddle Pad and Breeching)
8:14 - Back Strap and Crupper
16:08 - Breeching Positioning
18:30 - Makeshift Trace Carriers
25:23 - Yoke to Saddle Pad strap
27:44 - Bridle
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[@JanWestern]

Thank you all, Barry, Rhi and that lovely chestnut pony for a fascinating video as always. I could watch them all day and forget about the cares of the world, no wonder that lovely boy was so patient for you as he looked as if he could also have happily stood all day while you explained the intricacies (to a novice) of fitting the harness.

[@Flutterbyartstudio]

Thank you. I got my new harness in today which is as basic as this one and this is just what I needed to see. I wondered how I was going to stop the breast collar slipping over my mares head. Also the bridle was fitting tight with the metal piece on and you taking yours off made me realize how much more room I can create. Thank you so much! 😊

[@cynthiaweathers6979]

That pony was so patient and comfortable with you. He was the perfect model. Thank you for being so thoughtful about his comfort. I feel that is very important for the animals.

[@rolandeli1473]

InstaBlaster...

[@doodlebug5465]

Your videos are so insightful and I could listen to your accent for hours on end, I just love it. Your kind and gentle way with the pony is so heartfelt and caring.

[@chelseavuchinich4859]

❤

[@willnellen9028]

Lol, Barry maybe thinking : " MY accent? I don't have an accent, you have an accent" rofl.

[@loredelore7286]

Master as work. 💚

[@sarahhardy4966]

Thank you so much. Just having to refit a new harness - having had my perfect previous one stolen a couple of weeks ago. have exactly the same harness from the marvellous HARTLAND so this was perfect. Great films. Couldn’t be better.

[@HorsemanOz]

Thank you, these vids are excellent.

[@Muttsrus-bk7yd]

Great video Barry thank you!!

[@bevwannamaker1119]

Thank you for the informative videos. I just started the ground work with my pony last fall and today was ground driving her for the first time since last October. I am watching all 3 videos with this pony as a refresher for myself on how to fit harness on my pony Penny

[@tatonkaowner]

I'm so glad you did these I'm starting to train my mare for driving and always wondered how to flit the harness to her . This was so perfect thank you. I love all your video's they are very helpfull

[@sassy6292]

This helps so much. Thank you. The harness I just received is slightly different but has all the elements that you displayed here. As I evolve I’m sure I’ll I will develop my preferences.

[@RoseThistleArtworks]

This is so helpful to see and hear your thoughts on each part of the harness. Thank you so much!

[@hesterkuykendall]

So glad I found your site...finding info here in the U.S. is so hard...for us beginner...starting my first pony..before my horses...you are awesome and easy to understand...love the relationship you have with each horse/pony...keep it up...

[@truthseeker9150]

Thank You, very informative...American here, but We love the Brit's!!

[@andrewcroome434]

Thanks Barry, nice and informative and taking plenty of time to explain why you are doing things. Love the use of the car inner tube!

[@chelseavuchinich4859]

This is such good information. So clear. Also it's very relaxing to listen to! ❤❤❤🤗🤗🤗🙏🏻

[@lyndengeo]

Thanks. That was so.helpful.

[@mishaanton5436]

Great thanks. Itz been a few decades. Love your attitude always with the hirses n ponys 💜

[@mancheezethegreat8617]

He's a beautiful pony. Lovely face, lovely expression.

[@marilynwjlson6792]

Thank you! New to your site and loving it!

[@barryhook2]

Welcome to our channel!

[@randolphbutler1832]

Very interesting. Thank you for the explanation.

[@brandybeckydoc]

Love the look . You look so professional . :)

[@felicitytoad]

I think its very good to teach driving ponies and horses to stand like this. All horses have their headcollars round their necks when they have their bridles put on if they are tied up on the yard and silly people with quiet horses are lazy and do it wrong and don't like it when someone experienced does it right and shows them up. Dangerous horses pull will back and make a fuss so the people soon learn to do it right or stop or get help. You need to have the horse properly trained by someone who knows what they are doing. Too many completely novice horse owners or "trainers" who can't ride at all let alone train and couldn't possibly know what they are doing are breaking their horses in and they do break them and teach them nothing and ruin things for everyone. I have done some driving and worked with Shires horses and when harnessing up especially on my own I was extremely carefully as it is dangerous but once the horse knows what it is to do it will stand and an experience person will see the signs and sort them out before anything bad happens. I never had any trouble but I was very careful and slow. I always left my halter on under the bridle because I wasn't shown this. If the horse or pony isn't safe experienced trainers don't do it. Full stop . They DO NOT DO IT. THEY ARE NOT STUPID. These silly people at the moment are making it up smacking wacking and are going to get hurt and it won't reflect on the proper horse people because we can prove who we learned off and we have been doing it for years. He is a top driving horse and pony trainer and can be trusted. 😊

[@lisaharris9101]

This is brilliant thank you, so helpful

[@jmburns470]

Great videos, would love to take lessons from you, who do buy your harness from and who do buy the horse collar from, so glad I found you on you tube

[@tashdog1]

Can't stop watching these videos. So you use biothane harnesses and this one is here.

[@barryhook2]

Yes that's right, we mostly use biothane harness.

[@HorsemanOz]

Wow I have so many questions... but basically.. can you please do a set of these vids, just the same... for a Heavy Horse pulling say, a plough? This old timers knowledge is so important to pass on and we have so few HHorsemen left. I have been working with a Shetland in harness and he is a true champion. Followed your vids to get the harness right. Now I have a full-size harness and cart, just needs horse and I have a Clydie in mind. Wish you were here! (Bernie, Australia)

[@barryhook2]

If we have a horse in that is suitable, we'll keep it in mind to make a video!

[@lawrenceearle4134]

Great video, How do you decide when to use a breast collar and when to use a full collar?

[@barryhook2]

Mostly it is dependent on the job you are asking of them, the preference of the owner and indeed the preference of the horse! Some horses (particularly draft horses) may find working in a full collar more comfortable due to their broader build. You may find searching for a well-fitting, comfortable collar for a slighter, smaller breed of horse is more difficult. Another factor is that if your horse changes shape a lot through the year - for example is heavier with summer turnout and lighter in the winter or vice versa if they do a lot of work in the summer and are fit and are allowed to get fatter in the winter whilst they are given a rest from work - a breast collar may suit your purposes better as you would have to pad up or let out a full collar to ensure it still fits comfortably no matter what shape your horse is at the time. A full collar may be more suited to long days moving heavy loads slowly, a breast collar may be more suited to faster, shorter lighter-weight work such going for a trot out on a pleasure drive or fast work in a competition driving. Having said that, our working horses work all day in their breast collars with no trouble, doing fairly 'heavy' work when training the trainees. Both do also have full collars to match them up to another horse who might need to get used to wearing one. In summary, there are a great many factors to choosing between a breast collar and a full collar. Sometimes, it might come down to the fact you can get fancy, shiny hames and spotted traces for a full collar and go out for a smart Sunday drive to the pub, which we sometimes treat ourselves and the schoolmasters to every once in a while!

[@lawrenceearle4134]

@@barryhook2 thank you very much for your reply. My pony is. 4 year old fjord stud colt and the only thing I have to pull is a small factory built forecart. I could probably train with an inexpensive nylon breast harness and buy a work harness later if I want to to do more after I get him trained to pull first?

[@jesseboyone]

I got right into these videos Barry, I grew up driving horses with my granddad when I was a young lad, singles, pairs.. every year we used to get down the new forest for the annual drive beautiful memories. Picked up a lovely Shetland for my children before Christmas, got cart & harness coming next week so hopefully have her broke & done for the summer. I’m not in any rush with this mare as I want her right, I know every animal is different but how long would you give to break a pony into harness properly? Many thanks Jesse

[@barryhook2]

We tend do it in an average of 6 weeks, but as you say every horse is different and we are very experienced in what we do, so yes - definitely make sure you and your mare do it at your own pace!

[@jesseboyone]

@@barryhook2 advice taken on board, thank you for time.

[@teannabyerts1904]

Great info! I drove a pony cart when I was a little kid, my dad built a cart and a sleigh. He also built a goat cart and we drove our Toggenburg wether. Later I drove a few sled dogs (two or three) on a dog rig... which works pretty well for the mini pony too! Just had to check how to properly fit a harness. Thanks. Wondering what breed the chestnut pony is, nice sturdy pony. Actually resembles some of our Chincoteague Ponies here in the US east coast.

[@barryhook2]

He's a Carneddau pony from Wales - quite a rare breed.

[@nikkialvarado3280]

Thank you for this informative video. I am a longtime rider and I am just starting with driving a mini. I received a harness from my sister that has an overcheck sewn into the headstall of the bridle. I noticed you didn't mention an overcheck. I always thought they were necessary. can I cut it off and go without it?

[@barryhook2]

Yes, overchecks are certainly not necessary - we never use them.

[@TheKde25]

Not taking anything away from Barry he is brilliant at what he does, but he definitely put the new holes the wrong way up the strap, he only made it so it shortened, not lengthen did nobody notice that!?!?!

[@beverley232]

Where do you get your neck collars. I could do with one when I am clipping my ponies head, tying the headcollar round his neck just gets in the way.

[@barryhook2]

There are a few suppliers we use in the UK. This one has larger collars for large horses: www.abbeydaledirect.co.uk/farming-products/handling-restraining/bull-collar/ and this one sells smaller collars for ponies, cobs and smaller horses: www.suppliesforfarmers.co.uk/calf-collar-80cms-p-16933.html

[@AlannaLight]

Do you have any plans to come to the US to do clinics? (Southern California?) Loved your video - will head out and try to fit my harness on my Gypsy Cob. Wish me luck.

[@barryhook2]

Not currently Alanna, but keep an eye on our social media pages for any updates. All the best with your cob - hope the videos help!

[@tmbeach22]

I still have a problem remembering whow to put trace lines

[@stephmacc9992]

Would you harness in the same sequence if you were using a collar and hames, such as a heavy horse may wear?

[@rodrigoandrei50]

Hi, how are you... I follow your videos and I see talent in removing the defects of horses. I'm from Brazil most certainly in the state of rio grande do sul only.the cowboys...here called gaucho.

[@barryhook2]

Nice to hear from someone so far away!

[@jodywagstaff9714]

Great video! Do you have a link for where the tack set was bought??

[@barryhook2]

Hi Jody - this particular harness was from Hartland Carriages - hartlandcarriages.co.uk/

[@michelleburr3341]

Very helpful! I am new to harnessing and driving, am starting from scratch, with my autistic son. The cart in this video will be a bit larger than I would be using. Where do you get them? What company? I will be interested in seeing the different ones offered, I like the rubber tires for road or gravel as would be traveling both. 😍

[@barryhook2]

Glad to help! That particular cart was from Hartlands Carriages. We prefer 'pump up' rubber tyres for a quieter, smoother ride and better traction on road or rough ground.

[@stephenkelly4326]

Barry I see drivers tieing there driving horses on to the bit all of them do it were I live. what's your opinion on that?

[@barryhook2]

Hello Stephen, If you mean clipping onto one side of the bit to tie a horse to the wall, we definitely don't agree with it as good practice. It is so easy to use a different method - headcollar underneath, neck collars like we use. Even the nose band of the bridle (if secure) is better. To tie by the bit risks injuries and ruining a horse's mouth. Much better to use another method.

[@AimeeandJasper]

How old does a pony need to be before it was drive? My mini Shetland will be 2 in August 😊

[@barryhook2]

We do not take horses for training (and therefore do not recommend them to begin their driving training) until after their 3rd birthday (not just the 'year they turn three')

[@1manhisdogsandthegreatoutd777]

Great video Barry thanks for doing this one... As Im just starting out and intended on driving my cob cross.. Nice and easy to follow for a complete newbie to driving horses and some useful little tips thrown in as well...I've just started my two years old on the longlines and is starting make very good progress on the 16ft lines now ..now for some advice from you please....at what age or point would you suggest is right to introduce a cart to him...?

[@barryhook2]

We do not take horses for training (and therefore do not recommend them to begin their training in cart) until after their 3rd birthday (not just the 'year they turn three')

[@1manhisdogsandthegreatoutd777]

@@barryhook2 Cheers for your advice Barry...I was thinking around the 4 mark depending on how well he's matured by that time.

[@bigmommaandfriends9902]

Where do u get those horse collars that u tie them up with? Im from the states, and cant seem to find them here, do u have a supplier you could share with me? Thanks so much! Love your videos! Terry

[@barryhook2]

Hi, search for 'cattle collars' available in your country - for ponies and smaller horses, 'calf size' is fine, for larger horses or those with a thick neck, look for 'bull size'. Hope this helps!

[@dottie1300]

Can a 16 going on 17 year old horse learn to drive or is that considered to old to start driving

[@barryhook2]

Definitely not to old! We once trained a 16 year old retired point-to-point horse for his owner who could no longer ride due to arthritis in her hands. Both took to it brilliantly and as far as we know, are still driving now! It all depends on the horse, but in summary, rising 17 is not too old to start a new job.

[@hannahambler1993]

No horse is too old. I’m bringing my 22yo mare back into harness this year as in all honesty, she’s too much for me to ride and I’m more confident driving now than riding plus she always throws my hip out and I can’t afford to come off anymore with me being the only person looking after my young son. You can teach an old horse new tricks 😁 if they’re willing, then crack on.

[@jeanviarengo231]

Actually have an 18/19 year old gelding that is still a strong riding horse that I am training to drive.. and have been fortunate enough to have some pointers from Rhi and Mr. Hook.

[@teannabyerts1904]

Glad to hear people talking about training older horses. I adopted a mustang in 1985, she had spent 8 years running wild. With patience and time(took about 9 months till I got on her) she became the calmest and most sensible horse ever. I'll root for training an old horse any time.

[@hannahambler1993]

Why make of harness is that? I’m thinking of getting a nice new one for my cob and that looks really nice and supple; mines quite stiff and hurts my hands.

[@jeanviarengo231]

Until you find a harness that you like and want to purchase there is a product that is actually made in England called kao Cao line... I have found it to safely turn just about any leather into butter softness

[@jenniferwoo3044]

Sorry for my ignorance but what does the leather around the tail for?

[@barryhook2]

That's the crupper - it is joined to the pad by the back band, which is what the britching is hung from. So it is part of the harness that holds the britching up. We only know by learning - stay curious!

[@angelabrass5707]

My dad tied his traces like that

[@amietoohey5164]

My mares a driving pony i have a zilco harness

[@lindamclean8809]

Careful Barry....Rhee might bash you. Ha ha

[@bessmulholland5805]

He talks too much about the same thing