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Communication
Bridle, bit, and reins join the horse and driver together and allow each to communicate with the other. This communication system can be complemented by the aid of a whip and your voice.
The local point of this communication system is a proper fitting bit held in place by a proper fitting bridle. The driver is connected to the horse by the reins to give comfortable clear directions to the horse.
The browband on the bridle prevents the crown piece from slipping down the poll.
Most driving bridles are equipped with winkers/blinkers/blinders to restrict the horse’s wide peripheral vision and help keep them focused on what is ahead. These blinders should be cupped and out far enough to avoid touching the eyelashes.
Draft
Breast collar and full collar can both be used for a single horse to pull a vehicle. When pulling carts and buggy’s a breast collar is ideal as the draft line runs parallel with the shafts for the traces to hook up to the single tree.
When pulling heavier loads a full collar is the better choice as the weight is distributed throughout their shoulders compared to the weight being distributed just on the narrow band across the horse’s chest when using a breast collar. Also, when using a full collar, the correct draft line needs to be positioned at 90 degrees, and in order to achieve this, the single tree needs to be positioned towards the bottom of the vehicle.
Breast Collar
An incorrect fitting of the breast collar and full collar can cause problems.
If a breast collar is too high it can press against the horse’s windpipe, and if it is too low that it is covering the point of the shoulder it will interfere with the horse’s ability to travel freely and comfortably.
Full Collar
If a full collar doesn’t fit the horse right it can cause galls and soreness.
If the full collar is the correct fit, but the draft line isn’t correct it can also cause pressure on the horse’s neck causing pain.
Traces/Tugs attach to the breast collar/full collar with one end and to the vehicle with the other end to create the draught system which creates the forward motion.
Breast collar traces normally have slots ends that attach to the single tree on the vehicle whereas the full collar traces normally have heel chains. This is important to be able to safely match the type of harness that properly fits your horse to the specific vehicle you will be using.
Support
The Back Saddle is the main part of the vehicle support and guidance system. The shaft loops/shaft tugs are to hold the shafts from the vehicle in place at the proper height. The horse steers the vehicle left or right by pushing into the saddle and shafts. The top of the saddle has terrets that guide the reins and there is also a water hook that can attach an overcheck or side checks.
The saddle has a dee on the back to attach the back strap which secures the crupper and a hip strap/loin strap that holds up the breeching. The saddle is done up with the girth/belly band and will have an over girth/false belly band/wrap strap/back band to keep the shafts from rising when the driver is mounting the cart, traveling uphill, stopping, or reversing.
Stopping & Backing Up
The breeching is attached to the vehicle by the holdback straps that pass through the footman loops on the shafts near the horse’s flank and then wrapped around the shafts. This stops the vehicle from running up on the horse’s rear when the vehicle is stopped and also aids the horse in reversing the vehicle.
In between the horse’s dock to hock is where the breeching should be adjusted. If it is too high is can ride up under the tail and if it’s too low it can inhibit the horses’ leg motion.