Verify that your horse's harness fits properly before hitching your horse to a cart or wagon, according to The Northwest Driving Club. When the harness fits comfortably on the horse, the horse is more obedient and you'll have have safer ride. As you harness the horse, take a moment to check the harness for damage. Check for broken buckles, dried leather and worn stitching. Keep the harness pads clean and dry to avoid irritating the horse's skin. The National AG Safety Database states that checking these areas on the harness is essential to the safety of the horse, driver and passengers.
Step 1
Place the saddle, attached to the girth, on the horse's back behind his withers, where the horse's neck meets its back. Fasten the girth loosely under the horse's belly. Tighten the girth once the cart or buggy is attached to the harness.
Step 2
Wrap the crupper under and around the horse's tail. Take care not to trap any tail hairs between the crupper and the horse's body. Attach the crupper to the girth with the back strap.
Step 3
Put the breast collar over the horse's head, moving it down to the horse's chest with the straps settling over the horse's shoulders.
Step 4
Thread the driving reins from the rear of the horse through the rein turrets attached to the saddle. Gather the ends of the reins and slide them under the back strap, holding them temporarily.
Step 5
Put the bit in the horse's mouth and pull the crown of the bridle over the horse's ears. Pull the horse's forelock from beneath the brow band. Buckle the chin strap, leaving two fingers of space between the throat and the chin strap. Attach the driving reins to the rings of the bit.
Step 6
Place the breeching over the horse's hindquarters, under the tail and around the buttocks. Keep the loose harness straps off the ground until you are ready to attach the horse to the wagon or cart.
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