Harness saddle
A harness saddle is an element of horse harness which supports the weight of shafts attaching a vehicle to a horse. Like other types of saddle, it lies on the horse's back directly behind the withers, often has an internal supportive framework (referred to as a saddle tree), and usually is secured on either side by a girth passing beneath the horse. Unlike riding saddles, it is an integral part of the harness and is not used as stand-alone equipment.
Description
[edit]The harness saddle is the central piece of a harness and has attachment points for numerous other pieces. The saddle supports the weight of the shafts. In a two-wheeled vehicle such as a cart, the saddle supports part of the vehicle's weight because the shafts rest on it to keep the cart level.
The saddle has a supportive internal structure called a saddle tree.[1]. The tree is traditionally made from a steel or iron plate,[2] however contemporary harnesses sometimes have trees made of flexible plastic.[3] The heavier the shafts are on the horse's back, the wider the saddle must be, to distribute the weight over a larger portion of the horse's back. Draft horses pulling heavy utility carts have very large square saddles, well padded against the horse's back, and a groove in which sits a chain that is hooked to the shafts. A carriage harness has a saddle three to six inches wide, and has leather loops (called tugs) that hold the shafts.[4]: 185–188 A saddle pad may be placed beneath the harness saddle, also called a "housing" or "saddle cloth".[4]: 188
The saddle is held in position by a girth strapped firmly around the barrel of the horse. The saddle is a base for fittings including: terrets through which the reins are run; sometimes a hook at the top center for attaching a bearing rein; and a ring at the top center rear for the backstrap leading to the crupper.
- Harness saddles
Shows rein terrets and other attachments
Carriage saddle showing shaft tugs and terrets
Carriage harness saddle (left); heavy-cart saddle (right)
Large carting saddle with chains and chain groove visible
Draft horse harness showing heavy saddle
_(20592225211).jpg)
History
[edit]Harness saddles developed alongside improvements in breastplate-and-breeching harnesses, becoming standard in Europe and Asia as vehicles with shafts became common.
See also
[edit]
References
[edit]- ↑ United States Patent and Trademark Office (2009). "Class 54: Harness for Working Animal". United States Patent and Trademark Office. Retrieved December 9, 2009.
- ↑ "saddle-tree". Knight's American mechanical dictionary. Houghton, Mifflin and Company. 1876. p. 2012. OL 62417612M.
- ↑ "Flexible harness saddle tree - United States Patent 6698168". FreePatentsOnline.com. March 2, 2004.
- 1 2 Garland, James A. (1903). The Private Stable: Its Establishment, Management and Appointments. Little, Brown, and Company. OL 24162608M.
