I would agree with most of the points already made-I think you need to: lengthen the traces one setting(which would put the cart a bit further from the horse's rear, and bring the shaft tips back a bit-IMO, they should NEVER project forward beyond the point of the shoulder, but it won't hurt if they are a BIT behind the point of the shoulder); shorten the tug straps so that the tug loops are a setting higher, making the shafts have a slight uphill angle; be sure the seat of the cart IS adjusted so that when you are properly seated, AND the tug loops are at the right height(level to slight uphill slant of the shafts)' there will be MINIMAL weight transferred to the horse's back via the tugs; add a pad under the harness saddle. It appears to me,however, that your breast collar AND breeching are probably OK, heightwise; however, the breeching looks to be adjusted a bit tight. Remember, though, that when you adjust one thing, it often affects something else, and means that something that 'seemed' correct may now need adjustment--for instance, when you lengthen the traces,which means that the holdback loops on the shafts will be further back, the breeching adjustment as it is now, *may* be OK. The beeching should not be 'tight' against the horse's rear unless there is reasonable slack in the traces--the horse 'pulls' via the traces, and when the horse IS pulling properly(this is known as "in draught(pronounced "draft")", the traces MUST be taut--when the horse is asked to stop, the traces slacken, and the breeching tightens, because it is the 'brakes'. The 'rule' of a hand's width,( meaning 4 fingers) being able to pass between the breeching and the horse's rear when the breeching isn't engaged is more for 'big' horses; for minis, I have found a comfy 2-3 fingers' width is more suitable. If the breeching is too loose, it will tend to 'slingshot' when the horse is asked to stop, esp. if from speed; if it is too tight, it will bind and restrict the horse from a full range of movement-either situtation could lead to problems, and should be judiciously avoided!
Remember to sit fully back, and upright, on your cart seat. Though it can be a bit hard to get used to, I have found that keeping your feet fairly close together and placing one foot forward-in fact, so that it is kind of 'braced' on the front angle of the basket, is the most secure-should a horse surge forward for ANY reason,this can prevent you from being 'jerked' forward, and possibly out of the cart! Take care not to get into the habit of sitting 'forward' on the cart seat, and/or 'leaning' forward, as you might when seated in a chair(I have seen so many who unconsciously so this, and have to watch out for it, myself!) When you sit, or lean, forward, you WILL change the cart's balance, and cause there to be too much weight transferred, via the tugs, to the horse's back....Ferrah, you look good in the pics you already posted; I would only suggest placing your legs closer to each other, and with one foot forward, as I describe above, for optimum security and balance under average driving conditions.
I do agree w/ 'fizz on the overcheck; since you HAVE to have one/other in the show ring over here, opt for occasion use (in practice) of a well-adjusted sidecheck; otherwise, you can almost certainly do without either.(Question: there appears to be buckles(conways?) where the overcheck attaches to the bit; where is it attached that you can't remove it? )
Overall, you've done a great job for your first 'shot' at harnessing--BIG congratulations!! Just some basic 'tweaking' should do the trick! (BIG 'thumbs up" on the helmet!!! How wise of you!!)
May you enjoy MANY HAPPY HOURS of driving; it is one of the most enjoyable experiences in the world, IMO!!
Margo
