Does this look like a good starter harness?

[Jenny]

I am happy to say that I found a driving coach in my area! I haven't contacted her yet as it's much too early, but in the spring when the snow is gone, I will. So I've started browsing around for a harness. I don't plan on showing, at least not for a long while, so I just want something that's comfortable and practical. There is a mini tack store that is close and they have a pleasure harness that looks nice. It's leather and Amish made. It comes with cavesson, martingale, side-check, over-check, removable breeching & a fuzzy pad for under the saddle. It's only $450 which seems like a good deal. It would be great if this one works as I it would be so easy to pick it up instead of having to ship it.

Here's the link: http://www.tackforminiatures.com/itoolkit.asp?pg=HARNESS_AND_ACCESSORIE#img

(It's the 2nd, 4th and 5th picture. If you click on them they enlarge.)

I also have a question about bits. I'm leaning towards a french link snaffle, and they sell them at this store. Do you think this is a good choice?

Thanks!

 

[romewhip]

Looks like a good starter harness. I personally prefer the French link half-cheek driving bits, they seem to fit small mouths better with less nutcracker action and the middle of the bit hitting the roof of the mouth.

 

[happy appy]

If you google Ron's harness you might like that one better. I know the name changed to Amberhill something but it still comes up under Ron's

 

[Jenny]

Thank you romewhip and happy appy!

Do you think it would be worth spending the money on a higher end harness in the beginning? They have a carriage harness that is beautiful and a step up from the pleasure harness. It has round blinkers which I LOVE! It's $850 but I really like it. I also like that it just comes with a side-check rather than an overcheck and martingale, as I will probably never use an overcheck or martingale and I don't want to pay for one. It will take longer to save for though...

"The harness comes complete with breeching (removable) side-check & cavesson. The backsaddle is slightly wider with

more padding, the breast piece is also wider with a gentle shaping for comfort. The harness has wrap straps, buckle in traces and the lines are a solid dark brown."
Here's the link: http://www.tackforminiatures.com/itoolkit.asp?pg=CARRIAGE_HARNESS#img

 

[Minimor]

I sent you a message Jenny!

 

[Jenny]

What about the Camptown Sport Harness? Does anyone have experience with this harness and is it worth the price? It look really comfy and I like the ease of the synthetic.

 

[rbrown]

What about the Camptown Sport Harness? Does anyone have experience with this harness and is it worth the price? It look really comfy and I like the ease of the synthetic.

I love both of my Camptowns. My show harness is brass/patent with the regular freedom curved collar, and my everyday and marathon harness has stainless fittings and the new breastcollar design that reduces neckstrap pressure, plus a custom saddle for my narrow, high-withered mare. I upgraded to a sliding backband saddle for both harnesses as well. Having gone through many other brands and styles of harness, I highly recommend Camptown harnesses

 

[disneyhorse]

A higher end harness will last longer, fit better, and retain resale value if you take good care of it. Spend as much as you can on a harness, even if it's a starter harness.

 

[Diva's Girl]

Make sure whatever harness you get if you intend to hook your horse up with it that it has a gap for the spine on the harness saddle. without this gap it puts a lot of pressure on the horse's spine and can cause sores. Have fun finding your harness.

 

[Jenny]

Thanks everyone for the advice!

I think I've moved past the less expensive pleasure harness for now, as I really want to get the best that I can. I may go back to it though as I keep going back and forth. I have lots of time to decide as I won't be taking lessons till May, and even then I won't be working with Breaker. I'm really excited though, because in June I get to take part in a three-day clinic at the driving coach's farm! I will use one of her lesson horses for driving and there will also be lessons on choosing a harness and bit so I'm sure that will also help with my decision on a harness.

 

[Renolizzie]

That is so cool, Jenny. I may have found a driving coach in my area. I have to get his phone #. Lessons near me would be so awesome.