Just What is a Traditional / Pleasure Driving Harness?

Pleasure – Driving harnesses have the same basic parts as any other harness, with variations for different animals or fancier parts for showier harness. Parts include a Bridle, Breastcollar and traces, Neck Strap, Saddle/girth, Back Strap, Breeching and Hip Straps and a Crupper.

This is the style harness used in western countries for hundred of years and is well suited to pulling carts and carriages. The pictures shown here are single pleasure style harness which is appropriate for 2 wheel and 4 wheel vehicles though pleasure harness used with 4 wheel vehicles typically uses a full neck collar rather than a breast collar, to help the horse handle the weight of the vehicle.

Pleasure – Driving harness can be made with a variety of materials including leather, nylon or synthetic materials and are available for a variety of animals, horses, donkeys, mules, reindeer, goats, zebras and even long horned cattle. The material chosen and the relative widths of the materials can vary based on the driving to be done.

Here are a few other blogs that may help you figure things out:

Which Harness Should I Choose? What can I afford?

Which Harness is Best for My Pony?

Which Harness is Best for My Pony? Part Two

Also please refer to our blog – What harness do I need and how do I figure it out? and as always if you have any questions feel free to send us an email or give us a call. We are happy to help you figure out what will work best.