How Do You Identify Parts Of Horse Harnesses?
From the Romans and their chariots to early pioneers and covered wagons, harnessed horses have played an important role in society. All harnesses have the same, basic components: bridle, collar and saddle with crupper and breeching. Harness styles include work, parade, light and fine driving, logging, hitch, competition, and show and come in pony, horse, light and draft size. Finding and identifying the pieces is best done starting at the top of the horse’s head and working toward the tail. Locate the part of the harness that goes over the horse’s head. This is the driving bridle. The top of the bridle is the head- or crown-piece. Look for the straps on each side of the headpiece. These are the cheekpieces. Find the rectangular piece attached to the middle of each cheekpiece. This is a blinker or blinder, intended to keep the horse focused on the road. Follow each strap of the cheekpiece, heading down from the head-piece, to a strip at the bottom of the bridle that extends across the n
