How to fit a harness

[Anonymous]

I recently measured my Clyde cross and came up with these measurements based on the chart. I plan to purchase a pleasure type harness for pulling my cart and sleigh. Until he gets further in his training, I won’t be using him for any work around the farm (although that is my goal for the future). I’m going to a big 5 day draft auction within 3 weeks in Waverly, Iowa. I’m more than sure they’ll have plenty of harnesses. As a newbie, what size of harness should I be looking for? I’ve googled and done some research, but it really doesn’t tell me much. Thank you in advanced. 🙂

The measurments:

This is Huckleberry (Huck) my Clyde cross:

Huck and my paint mare, Sage:

[Anonymous]

I believe I measured wrong for the collar measurement… but that’s ok seeing as how I’m looking at getting a pleasure harness (breast collar style). 😮

[Carl Russell]

Stacie, measure the neck for the collar with a couple of carpenters squares held together to make a caliper. Hold one leg at the base of the throat, and the other at the base of the neck. This can be done with other methods of yard sticks etc., but this is the method I have found to be easiest and most accurate.

With those measurements you should be able to look in a manufacturers catalog, or web-site, to get the “size” range that you would be looking for. There may be certain factors such as breast plate length that will give you an indication of the size of the overall harness. I know that collar and hame size is usually a pretty good indication of whether or not he harness is in the range that you need for that horse.

Carl

[Anonymous]

Any advice for purchasing harnesses at auctions? I’m going to the big Wavery Iowa draft sale and there won’t be a shortage of harnesses there. I’ve never even been to an auction before. Do they allow you to look at the harnesses before bidding begins?? :confused:

[Jean]

They better let you look at the harness before you buy. Any chance you could take someone with you to the auction that has been to one before. They can be a bit overwhelming if you have never been to one. Give yourself a limit and stop bidding when you reach it, unless you have more will power then I do. They are counting on you getting sucked into the bidding. I take notes when I am previewing and write my highest bid next to any item I am interested in.

[Anonymous]

Thanks Jean. That’s a really good idea! I’ll do that. I’m bringing $1,000. I’m planning to buy a harness and a 2 wheel cart to get started in driving. I have a friend in Minnesota who has friends who will be at the sale. She’s trying to arrange a meeting place for me to meet up with them. I’m going all alone, so I’m sure it will be very overwhelming! Atleast I’m not bringing my trailer or I’d end up coming home with another horse. 😀

[Author]

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