Harness is a generalized name for items used to saddle or harness a horse. They, in turn, serve to provide the rider with greater comfort in the process of moving and controlling the horse.
Harness - horse harness, which is primarily designed to ensure effective horse control.
Harness composition
The harness is a rather complex and multicomponent structure, the composition of which also depends significantly on its type. So, in particular, it is customary to divide the harness into one-horse harness, that is, designed to drive one horse, and parokonny, that is, providing the ability to harness two horses at the same time.
In addition, both of these types of harness can be made in an arc and an arcless form, which differ from each other, respectively, by the presence or absence of an arc located directly above the horse's withers. In addition, in both cases, the horse harness usually includes a collar, which is a wooden or metal structure of two semicircular elements that form a ring around the lower part of the neck. Then, with tugs or horse-drawn strings, the collar is connected to the shafts used to harness a horse to a sled or other cart. On the horse's rump, the structure is additionally secured with a belt called a harness.
In this way, a harness is formed, intended for the use of the horse as draft force. Moreover, in the event that the animal is planned to be used for riding, some of the elements of the harness, for example, such as shafts, disappear from its composition, and the saddle, designed for the convenience of the rider, becomes the main part of the harness.
A separate part of the harness, intended directly for controlling the horse, is that part that is attached directly to the head of the animal. It includes a bridle, that is, several belts connected to each other, from which the reins in the rider's hands extend. In the part located near the horse's mouth, the bridle is equipped with bits, for which it is convenient to drive the horse, moving on foot. Finally, on the bridle in the area of the eyes, blinders are usually attached - special plates that close the animal's view from the sides so that it is not frightened during movement.
The purpose of the harness
Harness not only makes it possible to harness a horse in a cart or put it under the saddle, but also serves as a way to make its work, performed in one way or another, more efficient. The fact is that it takes over and distributes the horse's efforts, so it is extremely important to ensure the correct selection and fastening of the harness.
So, it must fully correspond to the size of those parts of the horse's body on which it is attached. Otherwise, it can cause unnecessary pressure, pain, or even burns from constant friction. In addition, a poorly fitted harness can cause impaired circulation and breathing, which will lead to a decrease in the horse's performance or illness.