Driving is a discipline in which mistakes in fitting the harness are punished the fastest. The harness must not only withstand enormous loads, but above all allow the horse to work freely without pressure on the airways or joints. Using the professional Balotade Morgan harness as an example, we explain what to pay attention to during the first harnessing.
1. The breast collar – the key to free movement
This is the most important element with which the horse pulls the carriage.
- Height: The breast collar must not lie too low (it will block the movement of the shoulder) nor too high (it will press on the windpipe). The ideal place is the so-called “centre of gravity” of the shoulder, above the shoulder joint.
- Slack: A flat hand should fit freely between the breast collar and the horse’s chest.
2. The saddle pad and stabilisation
The saddle pad holds the whole harness in place and transfers the weight of the shafts. It should lie behind the withers without pressing on them. In the Morgan model the saddle pad is softly padded, which is crucial for the comfort of the horse’s spine, especially on longer routes.
📦 A professional harness for your horse
Balotade® Morgan Horse Harness
3. The crupper – stability without pressure
The crupper prevents the harness from sliding forward (e.g. when going downhill).
- The hand-width rule: The crupper strap must not be taut like a string. Correctly fastened, it allows a hand to be inserted between the dock piece and the horse’s hindquarters. A crupper that is too tight will cause the horse to start bucking or refuse to move forward.
4. The breeching – your “brake”
The breeching is responsible for braking the vehicle and prevents the carriage from running into the horse.
- Position: It should be about 10 cm below the seat bones.
- Slack: When the horse stands calmly, the breeching should have a slight slack (about a hand’s width between the strap and the horse’s thigh) so as not to restrict movement at the trot.
5. Leather quality and safety
In driving there is no room for compromise. The Morgan model is made of selected cowhide with nylon reinforcements inside the traces. Why is this important? Leather provides flexibility and comfort, and the nylon core guarantees that the strap will not break under a sudden jerk.
The first harnessing. New leather needs time to “settle” on the horse. After the first drive, always check whether there is rubbed-off hair or redness on the horse’s body – this is a sign that some buckle needs loosening or moving by one hole.
Summary
A well-fitted harness is one that the horse forgets about as soon as it sets off. By investing in a Morgan-class model and applying the above rules, you gain the certainty that every trip out will be safe and pleasant for both you and your horse.
