Accurately measuring your horse for a driving harness is crucial for their comfort, safety, and performance. A well-fitted harness prevents chafing, allows for proper movement, and ensures effective communication between horse and driver. The process involves taking several specific measurements around your horse's head, neck, body, and hindquarters.
Essential Tools for Measuring
Before you begin, gather the following:
- Flexible cloth measuring tape: Essential for precise body measurements.
- A helper (optional but recommended): To hold the horse or assist with tape placement.
- Pen and paper: To record all measurements immediately.
- Familiar halter: Helpful for guiding some head measurements.
Key Measurement Points for a Driving Harness
A driving harness comprises several distinct parts, each requiring specific measurements. Here's a breakdown:
1. The Bridle
The bridle is vital for steering and control. It's crucial to ensure a comfortable fit around your horse's head.
- Browband:
- How to measure: Measure across the forehead from just behind the ear on one side to the same point on the other side. Ensure the tape lies flat without being too tight or too loose.
- Example: A measurement might be around 13.5 inches, depending on the horse's head size.
- Noseband:
- How to measure: Take a full circumference measurement of the muzzle, typically about 1 to 2 inches below the prominent cheekbones. You can slip the tape through the halter if the horse is wearing one, to help keep the tape in the correct position. This ensures the noseband will sit comfortably and not interfere with breathing or the bit.
- Cheek Pieces (Headstall):
- How to measure: Starting from the corner of the horse's mouth, run the tape up over the poll (the highest point of the head between the ears) and down to the other corner of the mouth. This gives you an approximate length for the headstall.
- Throatlatch:
- How to measure: Measure around the horse's throat, just behind the jaw, ensuring enough room for two to three fingers to fit comfortably when buckled.
2. The Collar
The collar is the primary point of draft, distributing the pulling weight. Proper fit here is paramount to prevent rubbing and ensure the horse can pull efficiently.
- Breast Collar:
- How to measure: For a breast collar (which lies across the chest), measure straight across the horse's chest from the point of one shoulder to the point of the opposite shoulder.
- Hames Collar (Full Collar):
- How to measure: This type requires more specific measurements.
- Circumference: Measure the entire circumference of the neck where the collar will sit, typically at the base.
- Length: Measure from the point where the collar will rest on the top of the shoulder down to the point where it rests at the base of the neck, typically about 2 inches below the windpipe.
- Tip: Many harness suppliers offer collar fitting tools or specific guides for hames collars due to their complex fit. For an in-depth guide on fitting, consult resources from organizations like the American Driving Society.
- How to measure: This type requires more specific measurements.
3. The Saddle (Back Pad)
The saddle sits on the horse's back, supporting the shafts and connecting various harness parts.
- Girth/Belly Band:
- How to measure: Measure the circumference around the horse's barrel, approximately 4-6 inches behind the front legs, where the girth of a riding saddle would sit. This measurement determines the length of the girth straps.
- Back Length:
- How to measure: Measure along the horse's spine from the wither (the ridge between the shoulder blades) to a point just behind the last rib, where the saddle pad will end.
4. The Breeching
The breeching is crucial for holding the vehicle back, especially when going downhill or stopping.
- Seat of Breeching:
- How to measure: Measure the circumference around the horse's hindquarters, just below the point of the buttocks, ensuring it clears the stifle (the joint in the hind leg) for full range of motion.
- Holdback Straps:
- How to measure: While these are adjustable, it's good to get an approximate length. Measure from the breeching ring (on the horse's hindquarters) to the point where the shaft of the cart would pass, allowing for proper connection.
5. The Traces
Traces are the straps that connect the collar to the vehicle, allowing the horse to pull.
- Length:
- How to measure: Measure from the attachment point on the breast collar or hames to the singletree (or doubletree) on your specific cart or vehicle. The length can vary based on the vehicle and the desired shaft length for your horse. A general rule is to have enough length for the shafts to clear the horse's hocks comfortably when pulling.
General Tips for Accurate Measurement
- Stand Square: Ensure your horse is standing squarely on all four feet on a level surface.
- Relaxed Horse: Measure when your horse is calm and relaxed.
- Double-Check: Take each measurement twice to ensure accuracy.
- Consider Growth: If measuring a young horse, account for future growth.
- Consult a Professional: If you're unsure, or for custom harnesses, consult an experienced harness maker or driver.
Summary Table of Key Measurements
| Harness Part | Measurement Point | How to Measure |
|---|---|---|
| Bridle | Browband | Across the forehead, behind the ears. |
| Noseband | Full circumference of the muzzle, 1-2 inches below cheekbones (use halter as guide). | |
| Headstall (Cheek Pieces) | From corner of mouth, over poll, to other corner of mouth. | |
| Throatlatch | Around the throat, behind the jaw. | |
| Collar | Breast Collar | Across the chest, point of shoulder to point of shoulder. |
| Hames Collar (Circumference) | Around the base of the neck where the collar sits. | |
| Hames Collar (Length) | From top of shoulder to base of neck, 2 inches below windpipe. | |
| Saddle | Girth/Belly Band | Around the barrel, 4-6 inches behind front legs. |
| Back Length | Along the spine, from wither to just behind the last rib. | |
| Breeching | Seat of Breeching | Circumference around hindquarters, below buttocks, clearing stifles. |
| Traces | Length | From collar attachment to singletree/doubletree of vehicle. |
