Types of Horse Harness Collar
The harnesses mentioned below are more practicable for a horse and not for a pony. However, this might give you an idea to choose the best harness collar for your pony or horse.
1. Harness Racing
Standardbreds and other breeds that race with a sulky (a light, two-wheeled cart) to compete in harness racing. They wear a breast collar – a strap that runs across the horse’s chest. Most race horses wear both an over check and a running martingale for control and safety. An over check runs from a hook on the saddle of the harness, up over the horse’s neck and then to the bit. It prevents the horse from lowering his head beyond a certain level. The over check can be adjusted for individual horses’ needs. A running martingale connects between the horse’s fronts legs, at the chest then divides into two pieces which end in rings. The reins slide through these rings. It limits how high the horse can raise his head, and also provides additional control should a runaway occur. Pacers (who standardbreds pace instead of trot) will often wear special Hobbles to Prevent them from breaking into another gait.
2. Show Harness
Light-breed horses such as Morgans, American Saddlebreds and Arabians show in a harness made of well-polished, refined leather. It is almost always black. A show has to harness breast collar and is not appropriate for heavier work. The bridle may consist of a variety of bits and usually an over check or running martingale. Proper care for a show harness includes cleaning it after every use and storing it in a bag where dust, rodents and dirt cannot damage it.
3. Plow Harness
Draft horses are often called upon to drag plows, logs and other heavy items. They wear a full necklace, which helps the horse use his shoulders to pull. It goes around the horse’s neck. A breast collar should not be used for horses that pull heavier loads because it can sometimes restrict the horse’s airway. The traces on a plow to attach to harness whippletree, which helps distribute force evenly. A whippletree is a bar that can pivot and swing, allowing the horse to pull a more balanced load.
4.Carriage Harness
This type of harness is often seen on horses that pull buggies or other types of vehicles. A full necklace breast collar may be used. It is a strong, but lightweight, harness sometimes used in combined driving events. These harnesses often have a breeching strap, which goes around the horse’s hindquarters. A breeching strap is basically the driver’s brakes. When the horse needs to back the carriage up, the breeching strap also comes into effect. Or, if the carriage suddenly lurches forward, the breeching strap catches on the horse’s rear end, allowing him to be able to take the force of the cart and slow it down. It prevents the cart from running into the back of the horse, which could have disastrous consequences. While caring for a carriage harness may not be as meticulous as caring for a show harness, it is always smart to clean your harness to check for wear and tear and keep the leather in good condition.
5.Cart Harness
Horses responsible for pulling wagons or larger carts (perhaps even a sleigh) are best to wear a harness with full collar. The traces are made of chain to help with strength. Breaching straps are also seen on the cart harness.
