Looking for critique of N.E. D-ring harness photos

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  • December 29, 2011 at 1:28 pm #43337
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    I just got this team of Brabant-cross geldings and they came with nylon New England D-ring harness. I always thought the D-ring sounded brilliant, but having gotten to use it, I’m hooked. I’ve placed an order with my Amish harness-maker, and he’ll be getting started in 2-3 weeks. My good friend (also Sean) recommended I post some photos of the boys in harness and ask for input. So anything that anyone has to say will be welcomed. Jake and I have identified some fit issues with the current harness, but I’ll keep that to myself for now so I don’t bias anyone.

    Doc is 16.2 hands (shod) and 2260# (he was scaled about 2 months ago by the previous owner). Whisky is 16.1 hands (shod) and I’m guessing around 2050-2100# based on comparing him to Doc.

    I labeled the pictures to make referencing them easier.

    Thanks so much!

    Sean

    December 29, 2011 at 6:49 pm #71183
    near horse
    Participant

    Hi Sean,

    There are some knowledgeable D-ring users here who can assist you but I’m not one of them : ( Stout looking horses – I like ’em! My limited observation was that the harness looked pretty tight in the first pic (Whisky?). I’ll be interested to hear what others have to say ….

    Nice horses.

    December 29, 2011 at 7:07 pm #71188
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    Thanks, Geoff!

    When they’re hitched and pulling the britchen rides just loose from their rumps – I thought the same as you initially, but when I lengthened the side straps 1 notch on Doc, everything just hung loose and looked wrong. I, too, will be curious to hear more opinions on this.

    I’ve also been waiting for someone to comment on the whacky neckyoke and the clothesline holding the checkreins to the hame. I’m taking care of these items as we speak.

    Oh, and I posted the pic of them from behind to illustrate just how much wider Doc is than Whisky. If you compare how the backpads lay on them, it gives a good idea.

    December 29, 2011 at 7:59 pm #71184
    Big Horses
    Participant

    @Doc&Whisky 31295 wrote:

    Doc is 16.2 hands (shod) and 2260# (he was scaled about 2 months ago by the previous owner). Whisky is 16.1 hands (shod) and I’m guessing around 2050-2100# based on comparing him to Doc.
    Sean

    Now THAT’s a draft horse!! I always have loved them since seeing one the first time. Someday…..:rolleyes:
    John

    December 29, 2011 at 8:18 pm #71189
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    Thanks a bunch, John!

    I’ve been considering a custom horse-logging bumper sticker that reads “Go big, go Brabant, or just go home”. Cheesy? Ah, well…

    December 30, 2011 at 2:12 am #71186
    Jay
    Participant

    Sean,
    Nice horses. The harness looks good on them. If you want to check the angle of the short tug from the collar, try laying a framing square into the angle from the hames to the short tug. It should be a right angle – it looks good to me- just a thought. A picture of them hitched in from the side would give a better idea of how the harness is working. Looks good from what I can see. Good luck. Jay

    December 30, 2011 at 10:59 am #71182
    Does’ Leap
    Participant

    Sean:

    Nice horses! How old are they and where did you find them? I don’t have anything to add on the harnesses except I like to see the britchens a little higher on my horses (i.e right below the pin bone).

    Best.

    George

    December 30, 2011 at 12:51 pm #71185
    mitchmaine
    Participant

    hi sean,
    good to meet you. nice team. the old woodsmen might call them chunks.
    your photographs never showed the horses “reefed in” to the harness. there are some helpful threads and posts by carl and others about the beautys of your particular harness, including the ability to tighten the rear and short or front tugs between the yoke and evener. tuned to f-sharp was the way the old guys refered to it. back in the archives of equipment to harness should uncover reams of stuff. its always good to update.

    glad to have you with us, mitch

    December 30, 2011 at 1:47 pm #71181
    Mark Cowdrey
    Participant

    As Mitch said, see for example:

    http://www.draftanimalpower.com/showthread.php?1874-proper-placement-of-britching

    Good photos of Carl’s and Les’s horses harnessed.
    Mark

    December 30, 2011 at 7:30 pm #71187
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    Thanks guys!

    I searched through the archives yesterday and did find lots of useful info and pictures. I’m still looking forward to opinions on these photos since Jake is using them as a reference. I also ordered Les Barden’s DVD – a worthwhile investment considering the price of new harness.

    This is the only shot I’ve got of them hitched – I don’t think it shows much.

    George – I think you’re right on the britchen position – I’ll adjust that next go-round (should be in the next couple of days). Doc is 14 and Whisky is 18. I got them from an older fellow near Saratoga, NY who was having serious health issues and had to let them go. I am super-happy with them – they’re a great team and just what I need for my level of experience.

    Jake is going to lengthen the britchen so that the drop-straps will be forward in a better position, and he’s going to make me slightly larger back-pads and belly-bands for heavier work.

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