Harness for horses and other animals: how to choose the right one

A set of accessories for saddling and harnessing a horse is used to ensure the comfort of the rider and to control the horse. Horse harness is an integral part of horse breeding. In different cases, different types of horse harness can be used, differing in their constituent elements.

History of appearance

The first harness appeared about 5.5 thousand years ago on the lands of present-day Kazakhstan in those places where the first human attempts were made to tame steppe horses.
The evidence is provided by parts of primitive equipment found in these places - even then man began to think about how to domesticate this animal and use its power to help in hunting and everyday life. The earliest well-preserved parts of the harness were found in Altai, where the Pazyryk culture existed during the Iron Age. In those days, amazingly beautiful harnesses were made with felt and leather elements, decorated with preserved metal elements. Harnesses were made by craftsmen who kept their secrets and passed them on only to descendants or close disciples.

The first harness in a primitive form was invented several thousand years ago. Its birthplace is considered to be the territory of modern Kazakhstan, where attempts were made to tame steppe horses. In Altai, preserved pieces of harness were found, decorated with decorative elements made of metal, felt and leather. The harness was made by experienced craftsmen who protected their secrets by passing them on to their students.

At first, the harness was used for the purpose of attaching the wheels of a vehicle to an animal. Gradually the system was modified and improved, and more and more importance was attached to it.

In the Middle Ages, the emphasis shifted to the convenience of the harness. During this period, the appearance of the harness undergoes changes; there are fewer decorations on it. It is considered as a means of transportation, which should be characterized by mechanical strength. The decor is used by nobles and representatives of the nobility.

The final appearance and composition of the harness was formed in the 16th-17th centuries. Since then, the elements have remained virtually unchanged.

History[edit]

Throughout the ancient world, the throat and girth harness was used to harness horses pulling a cart; this severely limited the horse's ability to exert himself as he was constantly being pressed on the neck. [1] A lacquer box painting from the State of Chu, dating to the 4th century BC, shows the first known use of a yoke placed on the chest of a horse, with the marks connected to the shaft of a chariot. [2] The rigid yoke on the chest of the horse was gradually replaced by a breast strap, which was often depicted on carved reliefs and stamped bricks of tombs of the Han Dynasty (202 BC - 220 AD). [3] Ultimately, the collar was invented in China by at least the 5th century. [4] [5]

Structure and types of harness

Yes, horse harness has come a long way in its development, but has not lost its relevance. Today there is a separate type of equestrian competition, directly related to harnesses - crew competitions. This is a very exciting and challenging sport. It implies not only the ability, but also the ability to select and decorate them correctly. The crew must completely form a single unit.

To control a harness, you need to know what the harness consists of and how it is put on. First of all, it must be of good quality. You also need to know its types, since the structure depends on this. So, today the following types of harnesses are distinguished:

• Single-horse arc;
• Shaft-and-line;
• Row-drawbar;
• Line by line;
• Tachanochnaya;
• Combined;
• Zug.

Single-bar arc and arcless

This type of harness involves harnessing only one horse to the cart. Its structure implies the presence of an arch, a collar, a supony, tugs, a shaft, a nurse with a saddle, a harness, a bridle with reins.

Arcless harness consists mainly of a harness, which takes the weight of the cart, a collar with horse-drawn lobes, belt collars, shafts, and a bridle with reins. The second name for this harness is shaft-and-line harness. Most often, it uses shortened shafts, which are attached to the saddle, and not to the clamp.

Diagram of the structure of a single-horse arcless European harness

Line-by-line-drawbar

The main component of this type of harness is the drawbar. At the same time, it is suitable for both single-horse and double-horse harnesses. Its task is to regulate the turn of the cart and its movement. See the photo for the structure of such harness in more detail.

Line by line

This type of harness is distinguished by the fact that it has neither an arc, nor a drawbar, nor a shaft. The traction occurs due to the lines and the clamp. It is very simple, but not entirely convenient, since it does not allow you to keep the cart moving forward. Most often they are additionally equipped with hand brakes.

Tachanochnaya

This type of harness is a little outdated today, since a cart and four horses are not used. However, let us still remember its structure. This harness consists of a drawbar and lines. In this case, two horses in the center are harnessed to a drawbar, and the sides are harnessed to lines. The latter are attached to the vags.

Combined

This type of harness is used mainly abroad for harnessing a large number of horses: six and eight. It includes a combination of a drawbar with lines and a shaft, which can be seen in the photo

For such a harness it is very important to select the horses correctly according to height and strength

For example, the roots must be taller and stronger, as they hold back the crew. The harness horses are paired or three with the horsemen and are harnessed with lines. They determine the turning of the cart. The outrigger horses go ahead of the root horse, are also harnessed with lines and set the direction of movement.

Zug

Another type of harness for six horses. In this case, a drawbar is used, to which the roots are fastened. The remaining horses are portable.

Types of harness

In horse breeding, it is customary to divide harness into several types and types. Based on their purpose, systems are divided into 4 groups:

• sports;
• away;
• transport;
• agricultural.

Different types of ammunition are used depending on the tasks assigned and the number of horses. Based on their structure, harness types are classified as follows:

1. The line-by-line single-horse harness is a lightweight version. There are no shafts, and control is carried out using a belt traction. It is necessary to additionally equip the sleigh with brakes to prevent collisions with the horse and optimize control of the vehicle.
2. There are two types of single-horse harness. The arc harness is a classic European option. In this case, the shafts are attached to the arc. In the absence of an arc, the system is called shaft-linear. Shafts are used of shorter length and are attached to the saddle on the back of the animal. In the case of using an arcless single-horse harness, there is no collar; the harness transfers the load from the sled.
3. Line-drawbar harness is considered the safest for humans. The drawbar is attached to the shafts in a rigid way. Using the system causes discomfort in the animal due to the pressure of the clamp. When driving a two-wheeled cart, the horse may be injured. This type of harness is not used in agriculture.
4. The combined type of system is used when it is necessary to control several horses. This type of harness involves the use of a shaft, a drawbar and a line.
5. Zug is a German invention. It is used in the case of a team of 6 horses in pairs one after another. Nowadays, the use of this system is rarely practiced due to the low speed of movement of the cart.

The cart harness is an obsolete type, used to drive carts. It is classified as a type of line-and-drawbar harness.

What is a harness?

In ancient times, when horses were the main workers and breadwinners in peasant farms, people understood that the efficiency of the animal would depend on the correctly selected harness and its quality. It was for this reason that any resident in the village or even in the city knew how to collect a horse and put a harness on it. Even earlier, when a carriage with horses was not only a means for quickly transporting a person, but also a certain type of transport, even very young children knew about the structure of a team.

A harness or harness for a horse is a special set of devices and belts put on the horse’s body for harnessing it to a cart for further riding. Most often, harness means a horse harness together with reins and a bridle. The harness, which is located on the horse's body and is in close contact with it, transmits a certain traction of the horse to the cart.

It is for this reason that a poorly selected harness distributes pressure unevenly and not only causes difficulties in riding, but also causes pain to the horse itself. In addition, if the animal is harnessed incorrectly, burns on its soft tissues, bruises and other defects can occur, as a result of which the animal will lose its productivity indicator.

You must always remember that the quality of the belts is a real guarantee of the safety and health of the animal while riding. The horse's harness should be strong, light in weight (so as not to put much strain on the animal's body), easy to maintain and repair, and suitable for the horse.

Since harnesses are most often created from special types of soft rawhide, it requires special care. So, after finishing the trip, the sweat-soaked harness should be hung on a hanger specially designated for it or on a wooden crutch in a dry and ventilated place. After drying, all harnesses and the belts themselves must be lubricated with technical grease or oil.

Before putting the components on the horse, you need to check the integrity of all belts and the serviceability of the buckle latch. Also, all belts that touch the horse’s body must first be checked for creases or accumulated debris; to do this, you just need to run your hand.

For which animals can the harness be used?

Many animals, both common and exotic, can be harnessed to the harness. So, the harness can be:

• for horses;
• for dogs;
• for a bull;
• donkey;
• camel;
• for a goat;
• for moose, etc.

The harness for the last two animals, although it can be called exotic, exists.

War elk of the Red Army

How to harness a horse to Russian harness?

First you need to put on the bridle. To do this, you need to stand to the left of the horse, hold it with your left hand, and put the bridle strap over your ears with your right. The bit should be inserted over the edge where there are no teeth. As a rule, the horse opens its mouth during such actions.

When equipping a team in winter, before pulling the metal bits into the animal’s mouth, they should be thoroughly warmed.

Next, it’s the turn of the saddle. It is first placed sharply forward closer to the withers, and then adjusted to its proper place. This approach allows you to straighten the wool under the saddle pad.

After applying the saddle, tighten the girth thoroughly. When tightening it, the rider often rests his foot on the horse's ribs to provide the necessary force. If the girth is not properly tightened, the saddle can jump on the back and seriously crush the soft tissues, which will not benefit the horse’s health.

After tightening the girth, a collar and harness are put on the horse. The clamp should be put on upside down. This will allow the harness to be evenly distributed. After straightening the latter, the clamp is turned over to its normal position. It should be turned at the very head. When turning, you need to pay attention to which direction the mane is laid. Do not turn the clamp against its placement.

At the next stage of bridling, you need to lead the horse into the shafts, lay the arc and attach the shafts with tugs to the arc. The support is tightened so that it is perpendicular to the shafts. Its ends are gathered into a loop that can be easily unraveled if necessary.

Finally, the interlace is attached. It is threaded through the saddle clamps and girth lobes. The end of the saddle is tied to the right shaft.

At the last stage, the underbelly is tied. In this case, it is necessary to ensure such tension that the shafts do not jump up and down during movement.

About choosing the right saddle

A horse saddle is an important and necessary purchase. The correct seating of the rider, the safety of the horse’s back, as well as the uniform distribution of the person’s weight depend on it.

Types of saddles

Each type of equestrian sport has its own type of saddle:

• Universal,
• For beginners,
• Competitive,
• Eventing,
• Walking,
• Racing,
• Dressage,
• For a western,
• Vaulting,
• Running,
• Spanish.

Beginner saddles are good for first lessons, they are wider and deeper, with a pronounced pommel and pommel. This ensures a tight and deep seat for the rider in the early stages of training, when balance has not yet been developed. Universal saddles are suitable for daily work, can be used for low jumps and walking. They are a cross between a jumping and dressage saddle: they have small knee supports and a pronounced pommel and pommel.

The jumping saddle provides a stronger seat for the rider, is equipped with knee pads to help maintain the correct position of the leg during the jump, and is also flatter. A dressage saddle has longer wings for the correct position of a person's leg during dressage riding and greater contact with the horse, and a deep seat. The walking saddle is much wider, longer and deeper, and can be used for long walks, hikes, as well as for sports equestrian tourism. Other types of saddles are more specific and are sold in highly specialized stores.

In addition to specialization, saddles also differ in material.

A leather saddle looks neater and more durable if properly cared for, but after rain the leather takes a long time to dry out and can crack at elevated temperatures. It requires care and daily lubrication with a special compound. Also, a leather product is much more expensive than its synthetic counterpart. A saddle made of synthetic materials is easier to maintain, weighs less, is not as capricious to weather conditions, but is not durable and even with proper care will last no more than 5 years.

Choosing a saddle for the horse's back

A properly selected saddle makes daily work enjoyable and safe for both. A saddle that is not chosen to fit not only causes discomfort to the animal, but also leads to many serious diseases of the spine and back muscles. The saddle is selected according to the size of the tree, the correct position and shape of the animal’s back.

This value is measured simply - with a piece of flexible and durable wire 44 cm long. The horse is placed on a flat area. A vertical line is mentally drawn approximately three to four fingers from the animal’s front shoulder blade. At its highest point, a wire is placed on the horse’s withers and bent in half so that each side is equal to 22 cm. Next, the wire is removed and the distance between the bent ends is measured. The distance determines the size of the saddle frame.

There is also a more common classification from manufacturers:

• narrow,
• average,
• wide,
• very wide,
• extra wide.

However, between different manufacturers the difference in size ranges from 2-4 cm, which is quite significant for the animal’s back. Some companies, such as Wintec, make saddles with replaceable trees and sell them as a set.

The correct position of the saddle also plays an equally important role. The most common mistake is when a person places the saddle too high on the withers. As a result, it interferes with the normal movement of the scapula, disrupts freedom of movement, and complicates the correct extension of the limbs. The result is overstrain of the back muscle belt and irreversible disturbances in the functioning of the musculoskeletal system.

A correctly positioned saddle is no further than the last rib. In this case, it does not pinch the withers, does not put pressure on the kidneys and lower back.

Russian or arc single-horse harnesses

Arc harnesses, based on the name, differ from other types precisely in the arc. They are made of wood using a special ancient bending method and are needed to hold the tugs around the shaft. Gouges are needed to fasten the shafts to the clamp. Previously, in Russia, the production of arches was entrusted to special craftsmen, since they had to deal not only with the correct selection of wood, but also with preparation. The arches, as part of the harness, must be both extremely light and strong.

Pack and harness goats

The design of the arc harness includes:

• Arc;
• Clamp;
• Harness;
• Saddle;
• Intersaddler;
• Podbelly;
• Bridle with reins.

The elements of the harness were described above, and now let’s look at the order of harnessing a horse using the example of a single-horse Russian harness:

1. The horse needs to be cleaned.
2. Inspect all elements of the harness for abrasions, malfunctions, discrepancies in the length of the tugs - such things must be corrected or replaced.
3. Pass the saddle and belly connected by a ring through this ring, and throw the resulting loop onto the shaft.
4. Put on the animal a collar, a bridle and a saddle, which is located at the bottom of the withers.
5. Straighten the harness over the withers and pull it so that a palm fits between its straps and the ischial tuberosity.
6. Next, the horse enters the shaft: by stepping over, reversing, or the system is simply put on him.
7. To install the arc, it is placed near the horse’s right hoof, and the tug is twisted to the required size and left near the end of the shaft.
8. The arc should be inserted into the horse-drawn loop with the left side, and the right side should be thrown over the shaft - this way the arc should fall on the horse’s neck.
9. Insert the second shaft into the arc and attach it to it with a horse-drawn loop.
10. The clamp must be tightened until the angle between the shafts and the arc is 90°.
11. Tie the horse to the left shaft and insert the collar as the animal steps away.
12. Put on the head part of the harness, allowing the horse to freely raise its head.
13. At the end of the harness, attach the reins to the bits, and place one belt under the tug, and the second above it.

Important! The clamp is put on upwards with pliers and only then turned over to the correct position. This way you can properly grasp the animal without unnecessary movement of the clamp on the sensitive neck.

The choice of horses for harnessing is based on their endurance and mental abilities. Individuals rigidly harnessed to a drawbar and shafts are not very capable of demonstrating their temper and, most likely, will obey the commands of the driver. The choice of harness is carried out for certain purposes (the physical characteristics of the horses must also be taken into account):

• field work;
• transportation of people or goods;
• sports and exhibition events;
• historical reconstructions;
• excursion service.

Nowadays, horses have already become quite exotic animals, and it is very rare to meet them, even grazing in the field. And there are very few specialists left who understand horse harnesses. Although the correct selection and adjustment of the harness is important both for the health of the animal and for the peace of mind of its owner.

Other parts of horse harness

A saddle is a piece of harness that is placed on the back below the withers. It is needed to distribute part of the traction forces to the back. In addition, it is designed to absorb shocks while driving. Saddles are selected according to the size of the withers.

A saddle harness is a part of a horse harness that is placed near the saddle. It is designed to hold shafts and bow clamps by distributing the weight of the shaft.

The belly is an element of the harness designed to relieve sudden vibrations of clamps, shafts and arcs during rapid movement.

Steam harness

A harness is a part of a horse's harness that fits the animal's body. It is designed to support the clamp when braking or driving downhill.

The bridle is an element of horse harness. Mostly conventional snaffle bits are used.

Reins are another element of the harness. At one end they are equipped with buckles or carabiners to fasten to bits (bits). The reins should be extremely handy. The material for their manufacture is usually thick braid or leather.

The term “zga” is often found together with arcs. It is a dialect designation for the ring on the arch through which the reins must be threaded. In modern arc harnesses, no harness is used, and the reins themselves are easily placed on both sides of the animal.

Equipment for hippotherapy

Treatment with horses or hippotherapy has been known for many decades and is widely used to treat cerebral palsy, mental retardation, autism, increased muscle tone, nervous disorders, asthma, scoliosis, and gastric diseases. A person is influenced not only by the positive energy of the animal, but also receives a good massage, develops fine motor skills, strengthens muscles, and a sense of balance.

For therapeutic horse riding, it is recommended to use a walking, combat or vaulting saddle. It is deeper and wider, which means it is easy to maintain balance in it. There are also special saddles for hippotherapy, characterized by the presence of handles or holders for people with disabilities.

A saddle pad with a shock-absorbing pad must be placed under the saddle. Also, work is impossible without a snaffle headband with comfortable reins, a safety belt with handles, safe stirrups and special attachments for the saddle that change its area, softness and provide additional support for the legs. All this is selected individually for the rider and in agreement with the hippotherapist.

What does the harness consist of?

Horse equipment includes many elements. All of them fit together in a certain way, forming a single system. The composition of the parts may vary depending on the type of harness. For example, a collar is not used for riding, and a saddle is not used for carts.

Table 1. Basic elements of horse harness

Elements of equestrian equipment

The clamp is the basis of traction force

In such harness designs, in addition to the arches, clamps are also important elements. Since they are used in both drawbar and arcless types, it is advisable to consider their role and structure in more detail. In general, clamps, being the main part of the harness, serve to transmit the traction force of the animal to the cart, cart or plow.

As in the old days, nowadays clamps are made in a wide variety of sizes. The length is measured from the top of the inner cushion to the pliers, and the width is measured by the location of the holes through which the tugs are threaded. Although in single-horse and double-horse harnesses the clamps may differ. In the first version they have tugs, in the second - lobes. The design of the clamp can be considered using a more common example - with tugs.

Ox Harness

Clamps include:

• A pair of pliers;
• Pillow;
• A pair of tugs;
• Khomutina;
• Tire;
• Supon;
• Gort;
• Lining.

The correct selection of such a part of the horse harness as a collar is important. It is customized to suit individual sizes. Since this part of the harness rests on the animals’ necks, tight collars can make breathing difficult, even leading to lung spasms, while large and loose ones will sway to the point of chafing.

Modern trend in harness making

What is modern horse harness? These are separate types of entertainment for people, an opportunity for the development of equestrian sports and simply a unique spectacle. No one doubts that sled carriages are beautiful and elegant, and horse racing fascinates even people who are indifferent to equestrian sports. Competitions involving paired harnesses demonstrate the skill of the coachman and his ability to lead horses to victory.

The technical side of racing concerns how well thought out and organized the harness itself is, as well as the harness. Every winner knows that enthusiasm alone cannot win a serious competition. Step-by-step preparation of a person, a horse and equipping a harness are three parts of future success that go inseparably as a whole system.

What does the winner's carriage consist of? Races in which the rider uses reins, a bridle and voice command to control the horses are of the following types:

• harness racing;
• classes are harnessed;
• skating.

The equipment of the harness and the number of main stages of preparation depend on the type of competition: horse training, cart preparation, basic tactical elements. The main part of the race takes place long before the start signal. The types of harness under any circumstances must be safe for both the rider and the animal (the horse, which must be trusted by the coachman). Running single file or winning an elite race makes no difference, no matter what the title, the groom or coachman takes on the responsibility of ensuring the safety of the tethered horses. The animal world always feels confidence and control on the part of humans, and a horse cannot be deceived in this regard. The coordinated work of the horse and coachmen is the key to true victory.

Drawbar double-horse harnesses

Drawbar double-horse harness
In double-horse harnesses the drawbar is mainly used.

This harness has:

• Drawbar;
• clamp;
• By lines;
• Bridle with reins;
• With a file chain.

In such a harness, the drawbar regulates the turns of the carts, and the lines transmit traction forces to the carts from the clamps. This harness is considered to be very simple. It is more often used for one animal.

How to accustom a horse to a harness?

Every horse needs training and especially getting used to the harness. This can take quite a long time, since the process is carried out sequentially. Experts recommend adhering to the following rules:

The very first thing to do is to teach the horse to obey its owner. Various commands are used for this. For example, turn right/left, stand, walk, etc. Proper maintenance and care of the horse will help create a favorable atmosphere for learning. Even before harnessing, you need to put on the saddle and take the horse outside. You will definitely need an assistant to help you cope with the unruly animal. After the stallion gets used to the saddle, you can safely sit on it. While riding, try to control it using the reins and commands. Be sure to praise your horse for every task completed correctly. Your voice should be soft. You can also give your favorite treat. Riding in the saddle begins with a short period of time. The first time it’s enough to drive for 10 minutes, the second – 20, etc.

When traveling, pay attention to the population of the area - it is advisable that unfamiliar people and cars are not nearby. The weather during arrivals should be favorable

Before departures, feed your pet well, but in this case it is better to feed it with hay and a minimal amount of oats. This is necessary in order to make the horse want to receive a treat. In between rides, gradually get used to harnessing - put on all the elements carefully and slowly, do not make sudden movements, do not allow discomfort and pain. When the moment comes to attach the cart, pay attention to it - it should not rumble, squeak too much and be in close proximity to the horse’s legs.

Type of harness

European, or wooden, harness went through many metamorphoses before reaching true perfection. Relevant to this day, the harness and its popular types (a carriage has a pair or three horses, in the extreme a horse harness can accommodate four individuals) are assembled by a horse breeder (an experienced coachman) with his own hands. An experienced master does not need tips or outside help. High-quality harness is the main tool in competitions.

A complex and at the same time fascinating sport, equestrian sport requires skillful use of harness and horses. Achieving results in this sport is not easy, and not all people and animals can withstand systematic hard training. The rider controls the crew, but only the coordinated work of each part of the cart leads the crew to the desired victory.

The one-piece system consists of an arc, reins, a clamp and other parts (sometimes equipped with additional elements such as a harness or loop). How to determine the exact number of elements of a high-quality harness? The configuration of the cart depends on its intended purpose:

Arc carriage for one horse. For such a cart you will need only one horse, which greatly simplifies the process of controlling the reins. The harness consists of the following parts: a bow (does not overstrain the horse’s neck), a collar, a tug, a shaft and a saddle. The cart model without an arc (the arc slows down the speed of the carriage) includes a harness (a harness is much easier to control), a collar and belt mounts. Shaft-and-line harness. A harness with short shafts is attached to the saddle, and not to the collar (there is no bow). The harness is line-and-drawbar. The main distinguishing feature of this type of harness is the drawbar, not the loop. One or two horses are harnessed to the cart with a drawbar harness. The drawbar makes it easier to control turning movements during fast driving. The photo of the harness demonstrates all its advantages and elegant appearance. The harness for 2 horses is not equipped with a harness; it is more reliable and stable on sharp turns, and the structure of the harness ensures the safety of the horses (they protect their neck and spine). The master harnesses the horses with his own hands and checks all the harness. Line-by-line bits. The arc in harnesses of this type is completely absent. Parts like a drawbar and shafts or a pole cannot be found on a cart. The horse-drawn carriage is driven by a yoke. Simple design - not the most convenient, but inexpensive. When moving quickly, it will be difficult to control the cart. The horse harness is equipped with brakes (a special type of belt). Such carts are not equipped with a harness. Combined European horse harness. For a combined horse cart, not two or even three horses are used: 6-8 horses are needed. Drawbar and shaft provide control of several horses

It is important to choose horses that are suitable in height and weight, which will only increase their strength. One horse is not enough for a team

Animals line up correctly so that the load on their spine is even. The more resilient horses, the Korenniks, hold back the entire crew. Zug. The team for six horses is controlled using a drawbar (sometimes a loop is used). The entire crew is led by root workers, and it is they who set the speed of the entire team. There is no clamp at all in a train-type cart. Tachanochnaya. Four horses and a cart lost their relevance 100-200 years ago. You will not be able to meet this type of horse-drawn carriage. The harness used consists of a line and a drawbar (it is not equipped with a harness and there is no loop). There is no clamp, no arc, and there is no loop. The redistribution of the load on the horse's neck is insignificant, although such carts are used for work transportation.

For an ordinary sled, used for work purposes, a loop (for 1 horse or several horses) or a belt part, different types of clamp are needed. An experienced craftsman independently selects parts of the cart, which is easy to use. It can be made with your own hands or tailored to the needs of the horse or carriage, which is an undoubted advantage of individual harnesses. Sports horse riding requires completely different quality standards, and caring for horses and harnesses becomes the coachman’s primary task.

Carriages are used for entertainment or sporting achievements; in this case, the teams must be of high quality, correctly installed and selected for a specific horse. The details include the speed of the cart and its service life.

A special sport fascinates and delights precisely in the well-coordinated work of the coachman and his charges.

Harness selection

The performance of the system depends on the correct selection and adjustment of the harness. The correct choice of clamp is of the greatest importance; as a result of an error, the likelihood of injury to the animal increases.

Selecting a team based on the number of horses

A harness can contain several horses. A tandem is a team of two animals following each other. There are features of a team of several horses:

1. If a pair is installed, mixed and drawbar double-window structures are used.
2. For harnessing horses in agriculture, a line-by-line type of harness is often used.
3. Three-horse systems come in different types. The Russian harness is distinguished by the presence of a root in the center, and on the sides - tie-downs. Another option is single file harness. In this case, the rootstock is placed behind the tie rods. This option is more often used for winter roads.
4. For four horses, you can make harnesses of two shapes. In the first version, the animals walk in pairs (drawbar and outrigger), in the second, the attached ones flank a pair of roots in a drawbar pair. This type of harness is called a quadriga.
5. When harnessing 5 individuals, place 2 root dogs and 3 tail dogs in a row.
6. The train is used to harness 6 horses; they are placed in pairs.

More than 6 goals are placed at ceremonial processions or entertainment events. The most common types of harnesses are drawbar and Russian (shaft type).

Cleaning and storage

Dusty and damp rooms are not suitable for storing horse equipment. Avoid exposing the harness to direct sunlight. Equipment is stored in a warm, dry and ventilated area. Some care features:

1. Fabric products are periodically washed and dried.
2. After each removal, the elements are wiped clean from dirt.
3. After riding in precipitationy weather, the harness is wiped dry.
4. Metal elements should be washed and thoroughly rubbed to make them shine.
5. Hard-to-reach areas of the saddle are treated with a foam sponge, and the main surface is cleaned with cream soap and then wiped. The saddle should be disassembled before drying.
6. Frequent exposure to water causes leather elements to become hard and wrinkles form on them. It is enough to do wet cleaning once a week.
7. Bridles are cleaned regularly. You can wash the belts in a container with soapy water and then wipe them dry.
8. Girths, bandages and boots are cleaned with a brush after drying.
9. After removing the saddle, the saddle pad must be dried. To do this, it is turned over.

Proper maintenance and storage of your harness will extend its life.

Main parts of the harness

Harness elements:

• A harness is a belt used to slow down an animal; it is attached to a girth. It covers the horse from behind, preventing the cart from moving forward while braking.
• Saddle - placed on the back, behind the withers. Harnesses pass through it.
• An arch is a wooden device that redistributes part of the load from the chest to the back of the animal.
• The saddle strap is a strap stretching from the left shaft to the right through the saddle and belly. A tightly tightened interlacing will ensure the strength of the entire structure.
• A collar is an element that is a wooden structure in the form of a collar, which is placed on the shoulders of a horse. It serves to distribute the weight of the cart or carriage over the neck and shoulders. Depending on the size of the animal's chest, clamps of different sizes are selected. May include horse-drawn eyelets for attaching straps.

Harness elements

Important! A properly sized collar rests on the horse's shoulders. With the strap tightened (knotted), the collar should not put pressure on the neck

• Supon is a rope that is used to tighten the pincers of the collar after it is put on the horse.
• Belt mounts (or tugs) are loops made of rawhide or thick fabric tape on the clamp pliers, with which the shafts are attached to the clamp.
• Podbelly - a strap that runs under the belly to strengthen the harness.
• Reins (reins for a horse) are a long strap attached to the bridle on both sides and are in the hands of the coachman. Serves to control the running of the animal.
• Zga is a ring to which the bridle reins are attached.
• Boots are leather or fabric coverings on the hooves that serve to protect the limbs from notching (the legs hitting each other while running).
• A saddle pad (or sweat pad) is a blanket placed under a saddle or saddle. Serves to protect the horse's back from damage from the saddle.
• A girth is a wide strap that ensures a stable position of the saddle. It runs across the body and is attached to the saddle on both sides.
• Martingale is a strap used to hold the animal's head in the desired position. One of its ends has a loop that is attached to the front girth, and the other end bifurcates into two parts, each of which ends in a loop. These loops pass through the chest to the reins.

Also the main part is the bridle - a system of belts that provides control over the actions of the horse. Placed on the head, includes:

• head strap - goes behind the ears, holds the entire structure on the head;
• cheek straps - two straps that run along the head from the back of the head to the mouth. Their function is to hold the bit in the horse's mouth;
• garnish belt - attached to the back of the head and passes under the ganache. Not all types of bridles have this detail in their design;
• browband - a strap attached to the back of the head and passes under the ears. Represents decoration;
• noseband - a strap that goes through the snorer. Does not allow the animal to ignore the movement of the bit and limit the opening of its mouth. Should be moderately loose;
• snaffle - a structure consisting of three or two iron parts that are placed inside the horse’s mouth, on the toothless edge of the jaw;
• reins - a strap attached to the bit. It is long enough, with its help the rider controls the movements of the horse.

HORSE HARNESS - BASIC ELEMENTS, REQUIREMENTS AND FEATURES

V.V.
Bogdanov, V.A. Ermolaev Horse Harness - Basic Elements, Requirements and Features INTRODUCTION The vast journey of man from a cave dweller to the owner of almost fantastic modern technology is closely connected with the horse. A little over a hundred years ago, a horse harnessed to a cart was one of the main types of transport.
Even longer, the horse continued to play a dominant role in agriculture. According to various sources, the horse, after domestication, for a long time was only a meat and dairy animal, then man, out of necessity, began to use everything and everyone to live and protect himself from numerous and varied enemies, taming the horse , became a skilled horseman. Maximum performance of horses without compromising their health depends on a number of conditions: weight, age and fatness of horses; preparation and training in work; proper preparation and serviceability of harness; working hours; weather conditions, road quality and terrain; physiological factors that determine the health of a horse. The work of a horse is determined by two indicators: the magnitude of the traction force and the distance traveled. 1. BASIC INFORMATION ABOUT HORSE HARNESS 1.1. INFLUENCE OF HARNESS ON ANIMAL

Horse tack and harness are devices that are put on a horse to control it or for work. Harness greatly influences the performance of the horse, so great importance must be attached to its correct selection for the horse and proper maintenance. The harness takes on the traction forces of the horse and, when in contact with the body, exerts a certain pressure on individual areas (Fig. 1). Faulty or ill-fitting harness produces uneven pressure and causes pain to the working horse, binds its movements, impedes breathing and blood circulation, which causes a sharp decrease in the horse's performance and traumatic injuries. Most often, horses are damaged in the back, neck, withers and shoulders from malfunction or incorrect use. adjusted, mismatched clamp and saddle. Improper tightening can cause “burns” of the shoulders, withers and other damage, as a result of which the horse becomes unfit for work for a long time and requires treatment.

1.2. BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR THE HARNESS

The harness should be: durable, light, easy to manufacture and repair; universal for various types of economic use. The harness should not cause damage or pain, restrict the horse’s movements, or impede breathing and blood circulation. The harness of horses used for working in carts and agricultural implements is divided into arc, arcless and drawbar. Arc or Russian consists of a bridle, collar, harness, saddle, saddle, belly, arch and reins. Arcless single-horse harness consists of a bridle, collar, saddle with girth, harness, saddle, underbelly, lines and reins. Drawbar (arcless) paired harness consists of a bridle, clamp, reins, lines, drawbar, chain -file.

2. WORKHORSE HARROW. RUSSIAN HARNESS

2.1.
BRIDLE (BRIDLE) OF A WORK HORSE The bridle (bridle) of a working horse consists of: 1) a harness belt; 2) two cheek straps; 3) forehead protector; 4) hemming belt; 5) muzzle (wrap); 6) bit; 7) reins.

The main disadvantage of standard agricultural bridles is that their design does not allow them to be sufficiently changed in size without disturbing the correct position on the horse's head. Bridles are available in four sizes No. 1-4. The size of the bridle is selected depending on the size of the horse's head (it is determined by the length of the straps). The bridle is adjusted by changing the length of the corner and cheek straps, so that the bit lies on the toothless area of ​​the lower jaw (two centimeters below the corner of the mouth, on top of the tongue), without tightening the corners of the mouth and without touching the edges. Three fingers of a horse standing on its rib should fit freely between the chin strap and the ganache, and two fingers should fit between the muzzle strap and the nose. The bit is selected depending on the horse’s temperament. An excitable horse needs “softer” ones, i.e. thick, bits, phlegmatic - “hard”, thin. The length of the bit should correspond to the width of the horse’s mouth. 2.2. POSITION AND FIT OF CLAMP

The clamp is the main and most important part of the harness. The main part of the traction force is applied to it, which is then transmitted to the cart.

A standard clamp (Fig. 3.) consists of a pair of pliers (5), a clamp (4), a clamp lining (2), a tire (1), a quiet belt, a supony (6), a pair of tugs or tucked lobes (3) and a throat A correctly selected collar for the horse takes the following position: at the top it rests on the crest of the neck at the beginning of the withers; on the sides it lies on the muscles located in front of the spine of the scapula; in the lower part of the scapula above the glenohumeral joint; in the lower part of the neck it passes over the falcon at the base of the neck (Fig. 4). The vertical position of the collar is parallel to the position of the horse's shoulder blade. In a horse with an oblique shoulder blade, the collar occupies a more oblique position; on the contrary, with a more vertical shoulder blade, it also occupies a vertical position. The size and shape of a collar for any purpose must exactly correspond to the shape and size of the neck and the entire contacting surface of the horse. The length of the collar is determined by the length of the surface from its upper support on the crest of the neck at the beginning of the withers, to the lower one, above the glenohumeral joint. With the correct width, it can be short or long.

A short collar will put pressure on the horse's neck, making it difficult for him to breathe, without reaching its normal position; on the contrary, a long collar will descend low at the glenohumeral joint and extend far to the withers. Such a collar will inevitably stuff the horse's withers and shoulders. In the same way, a wide collar will not lie in its designated place, but will go far back to the spines of the shoulder blade and cause damage to their muscles. The surface of the collar, facing the horse’s body at the top and 2/3 on the sides, is lined with felt; in the rest of the part it rests on the contacting places of the horse clamp. The pliers are the basis of the clamp, made of wood (birch), determine its shape and size and provide the necessary strength. At the border of the lower and middle third of the ticks, in their thickened part, called the bundle, two holes are made for attaching tugs or tug lobes. The clamp (Fig. 5) consists of tightly cone-shaped folded straw, covered with leather. It runs along the entire length of the clamp pliers and is attached to the latter. The lower part of the clamp, passing under the horse's neck, should be two centimeters above the ticks, otherwise they will rub the neck.

The tugs serve to fasten the clamp to the shafts using an arc, and the rim belt is fastened to them. Gouges (Fig. 6) are cut from pork or cow leather; in terms of strength they are calculated according to the purpose of the clamp. For a horse with normal scapular position, the tugs are positioned approximately 2/3 of the way from the top of the collar. You cannot use the same clamp for different horses! The shape of their necks is different, and as they are used, the collar acquires the individual characteristics of the structure of the neck of a particular animal. They put the collar over the horse’s head, turning it upside down, and then turn it over the mane again to its normal position and straighten the harness. The clamp pincers are tightened with a rawhide belt. The upper surface of the clamp is covered with pork or calf skin, which protects it from dampness in rainy weather. At the bottom of one of the pliers, a support is attached, which serves to tighten the pliers when harnessing and must be strong enough in accordance with the elasticity of the arc. The weight of the clamp is determined by its purpose. The weight of light traveling clamps is considered to be 3 kg, and heavy ones - from 5 to 6 kg. The weight of light working clamps should not exceed 6 kg, and heavy ones from 8 to 9 kg. Sometimes the clamps of large working horses reach a weight of 13 to 18 kg. Standard clamps (Table 1) are made in 12 sizes (No. 0-11). The dimensions of a certain number are usually indicated by a fraction, the numerator of which indicates the length, and the denominator the width (in mm). For example: No. 0-(440/210), No. 11-(740/400). If the clamp number is unknown, then you need to measure its length from the upper inner side of the clamp pad to the inner canvas of the lower horns of the pliers and the width at the level of the holes for the tugs between the inner surfaces of the pliers and find out the corresponding number in the table.

Dimensions of finished clamps (GOST 3978-47) Number Length (cm) Width (cm) 0 43 21 1 45 23 2 48 24 3 50 25 4 53 26 5 54 27 6 56 28 7 60 30 8 63 31.5 9 66 32 .5 10 71 38 11 74 40

2.3. SADDLE

The saddle is used to support the collar, arch and shaft with the help of a saddle, and, in addition, it accounts for part of the traction force (transferred from the shoulders to the back) overcome by the horse. It softens and partially eliminates the shocks from the harness on the horse’s back when riding on uneven roads and jerking at the beginning of the movement. Its shape should correspond to the horse's withers.

With low, wide withers, a recumbent saddle is used, resting on the spinous processes of the withers and the longest muscle of the back, neck and shoulder. With high, sharp withers, it is more advisable to use a standing saddle, resting only on the muscles on the sides of the withers and back and not putting pressure on the spinous processes. The camber width of a standing saddle should correspond to the lower part of the withers. Great importance should be attached to the correct selection of the saddle, in accordance with the shape of the withers and back, because Most often, injuries occur here. A special feature of the withers is that they are permeated with ligaments and tendons and have a relatively weak blood supply, as a result of which in case of major injuries it is difficult to treat and makes the horse incapacitated for a long time. The saddle is placed on the horse’s back, approximately 10-15 cm behind the shoulder blades. It is secured with a girth, which is tightened with sufficient force so that two fingers can be inserted with force between it and the horse’s body. Before tightening, the girth is placed at a palm's distance from the horse's forelimb so that it does not interfere with the movement of the forelimbs and rests on the hard sternum. Recumbent (or straight) saddles (Fig. 7B) consist of a pillow, a tire, a through collar, two blocks with faces and arches. Standing (or humped) saddles (Fig. 7 A) consist of an archak, two shelves, two tracks for fastening the throats and a special sweatshirt. The saddles are produced in two sizes No. 1 and No. 2. They should be selected individually for each horse. The purpose of the girth is to hold the saddle in its intended place, and also to hold the underbelly, threaded through the belt loop (lobe) in the middle of the girth, and prevent it from slipping, leading to abrasions of the skin in the lower part of the chest.

Fig.8. Girth.

The girth must have the necessary strength, elasticity so as not to cause abrasions, soft with a width of 7-8 cm. There are buckles at both ends for fastening the saddle to the larynx. 2.4. HARNESS

Harness. Its purpose is to keep the cart from rolling forward when descending from the mountain and, in part, to keep the collar in place when the horse suddenly sits down.

Fig.9. Harness.

When braking in the harness, the harness transmits its action to the cart through the collar, tugs and shafts. The harness consists of a circular belt running from the collar along the entire body; a back strap running along the back; cross belts that connect the circle and the back; side straps that fit over the shafts and protect the harness from sliding to one side; slope belts running from the rear end of the dorsal to the back of the circular belt. The rim belt runs along the horse’s body on the sides and back - below the ischial tuberosities (at a distance of 15-20 cm) and is supported by transverse and slope belts. When moving, the rim belt should not put pressure on the horse's hind limbs, but only lightly touch them, without interfering with movement and without causing abrasions. It is also important to choose the right harness. A small harness falls to the side when moving, which leads to abrasions at the root of the horse's tail. Too deep - it falls very low on the hips, makes it difficult for the animal to move when restraining a cart with a load and rubs its skin. Harnesses can be of four sizes. The length of a harness is considered normal if a palm placed on the edge is placed between the rim belt and the back of the horse’s thigh ( in this case, the rim straps should pass 4-5 cm below the ischial tuberosities). Harnesses are made of leather belts. 2.5. PODIUM AND ABDOMINA

The saddle and belly are cut from rawhide, 2-3 mm thick and 3-4 cm wide.

Fig. 10. The saddle and the abdomen. 1) intersaddler; 2) abdomen; 3) ring.

The purpose of the saddle bar is to support the weight of the collar with the arc and shaft on the horse’s back, and also, due to the decomposition of forces when the shaft is supported on the back, to transfer traction forces to it in a small part. The role of the underbelly is to prevent sharp fluctuations of the shaft, clamp and arc up and down , which prevents possible beatings of the withers under the collar. 2.6. ARC

The arc (Fig. 11) is a characteristic feature of Russian harness.

Fig. 11. Arc.

Its purpose is to hold the tugs around the shaft. A good arch should be elastic, strong and light. With a weak arch, easily bent under the influence of the horse’s efforts, correct harnessing is impossible; the arch is too springy, causing a large waste of the horse's energy. A harness with a good elastic arch is of great convenience for the horse. Since the tugs are located perpendicular to the clamp, the possibility of abrasions on the shoulders and sides is eliminated. Thanks to its elasticity, the tug plays the role of a shock absorber, softening shocks from road unevenness and jerks when the cart starts moving, without causing large expenditures of energy for shock absorption. At the top of the arch there is a ring for the reins from the bridle. 2.7. REIN

Reins (braid, belt or rope) are used to control a horse from a cart. The main requirement for good reins is strength and softness, which ensures better grip in the hands when driving and especially when restraining the horse. These qualities are met by the reins, the ends of which consist of a belt, and the middle part of a strong braid. To fasten the reins to the bit rings, their ends have buckles with goths or special carabiners.

Fig. 12. Braid reins. 1) braid; 2) belt; 3) ring; 4) carbine.

3. HARNESSING TO RUSSIAN HARNESS

The bridle is put on first. The harnesser stands on the left side of the horse's neck; with his left hand he holds the horse, and with his right hand he puts on the bridle, throwing its bridle over the ears. When the bit comes to the level of the end of the mouth, with the left hand they are inserted from one side onto the toothless edge, which is why the horse usually opens his mouth and takes the bit. When bridling a horse in winter, it is necessary Before inserting the bit into your mouth, wipe it thoroughly from frost and warm it in your hand, since frosty bits can stick to a wet tongue and lips. The horse can be bridled after putting on the bridle. The bridle must fit exactly on the horse's head.

Fig. 13. Arc (Russian) harness. 1) bridle; 2) arc; 3) clamp; 4) saddle; 5) interleaver; 6) abdomen; 7) harness; rein.

The bridle is followed by putting on the saddle. Before putting it on, you need to carefully inspect the padded sweatshirt and felt of the saddle: whether there are dried crusts from sweat and dirt on them, whether there is stuck sand and debris, or unevenness from stray felt. You should also carefully examine the places where the saddle fits on the horse, since all this can cause beatings to the withers. The saddle should be placed sharply forward, and then moved back to its proper place, which will smooth out the fur.

. Having applied the saddle, tighten the girth on the left side so that the saddle lies tightly on the muscles of the withers and back, without jumping when riding, as this can cause beatings. It is always recommended to apply the saddle, fasten and unfasten its girth on one side - on the left, then the lower surface of the saddle is precisely fitted to the shape of the adjacent surface of the horse's withers and back, resting on a large area. Then put on a collar with a harness. Before putting it on, you need to carefully examine the condition of its felt and clamps: is there any bark from sweat or dirt, is the felt damp, are the tugs exactly the same. All this can cause beatings of the shoulders, so great importance should be attached to the condition of the felt and the clamp. When putting on the clamp, turn it over with the lower ends of the pliers, straighten the harness and put it over the head on the horse’s neck. After putting it on over the head, the clamp turns to its normal position, i.e. with the pliers down. Rotation is performed at the narrowest part of the neck, i.e. at the head itself. They turn along the direction of the mane: if the mane lies to the right, turn from left to right. After this, the collar is brought into place, the harness is straightened out and the harness is put on, and the mane is removed from under the collar so that it does not cause chafing on the shoulders. Having put on the harness in this way, the horse is led into the shafts and an arc is laid. The left tug covers the shaft from bottom to top, and its arc with its lower end is inserted into the loop of the tug. After the tug covers the shaft, the middle part of the tug can go behind the arc or cover the end of the arc on both sides. Then the arc is thrown over the horse’s withers and attached with the right tug to the right shaft. The right tug is behind the arc and covers the shaft from top to bottom, and the end of the arc is inserted into the loop tug. The suponi is tightened with great effort and calculation so that the arc stands firmly in a perpendicular position with respect to the shafts and does not allow vibrations back and forth. The end of the suponi is closed with a loop in such a way that it can be easily unraveled at any time. Next, the saddle pad is threaded through the brackets of the saddle pads and through the lobes of the girth-underbelly. With a correctly tightened necklace, the collar lies exactly in the places designated for it and does not touch the lower edge of the neck, approximately 1 cm. The end of the necklace is tied on the right shaft with the expectation of the same easy untying if necessary. After this, the underbelly is pulled up and tied in such a way as to prevent the shaft from jumping up and down. Serious attention should be paid to the correct tightening of the midriff and underbelly, since the consequence of improper tightening of them is very often the straining of the horse’s withers and shoulders. When riding lightly and quickly, the underbelly pulls up slightly higher than when driving slowly with a heavy load. In the latter case, the horse carries its head lower, which with a high saddle sometimes causes the horse to suffocate, especially when moving uphill. The reins are tightened in such a way that the horse’s head can freely take the position it needs when working and is not constrained by the reins. If the cart is heavy, the horse carries its head low, so the reins should be tied longer in this case; with light weight and fast movement, she carries her head higher - the reins can be pulled shorter. The reins are fastened last: they are straightened along the entire length, the middle is placed on the cart, the ends on the horse, which then pass over the saddle, over the tugs and cling to the ends of the bits.

4. Drawbar (ARCLESS) HARNESS

A pair of harnesses without an arch into the drawbar must meet the following requirements: 1) the collar must be precisely matched to the size of the horse’s neck and shoulders without any reserve; 2) the length of the drawbar straps must be such as to ensure the normal position of the clamp. In the case of attaching drawbar belts directly to the drawbar, the outer belt should be slightly longer, and the inner one shorter, so that when harnessed they do not distort the clamp. Drawbar straps must be tensioned sufficiently tight so that the drawbar is in its normal position and does not swing from side to side. In order to better ensure the normal position of the clamps when harnessing the drawbar, it is recommended to install a special roller at the front end of the drawbar and attach drawbars and belts to it, as shown in the figure.

The lines are used for drawbar pair harnesses. They transmit traction force from the clamp to the rollers of the cart harness. They are made of leather or thick ropes of two sizes: No. 0 and No. 1, lengths 210 and 260 cm. The right and left lines must be the same length. If the tracks are uneven, the entire harness becomes warped, and the horse’s shoulders are injured. The straps are used to connect the clamp to the drawbar of the cart. They are used for steam horse harnessing. They are adjusted to the length of the drawbar (its length is 375 cm). Short or too long stripers will also interfere with the horse's movement. A shorka (belt) is designed to harness a horse to a drawbar. It transmits traction force through the tracks of the cart, i.e. used instead of a clamp. It is used only for work with low traction force. 5. CONCLUSION

In addition to the correct selection and securing of harness for a particular horse, it is necessary to ensure proper care for it. In the place where the harness is stored, it is necessary to avoid excessive humidity and excessive dryness, as this is harmful to the leather parts. Felt parts must be protected from moths. During work, the horse sweats, which causes the felt parts of the harness to become damp. Harness with damp felt causes abrasions in the contact areas. Therefore, after work, it is necessary to dry the felt of the collar and saddle every day with the felt facing out. Gradually, from sweat and dirt, the felt becomes dirty, a hard crust is formed, which can cause beatings. After the harness has dried, the felt parts are cleaned of sweat by tapping the felt with a stick. The cleanliness of the felt must also be checked before harnessing the horse. The leather parts of the harness gradually dry out, become very hard and can also cause abrasions in places where the horse rests. Sweat and dirt also form crusts on them, which must be cleaned daily after work. In the belt parts of the harness, you cannot cut holes with a knife or pierce them with an awl; they should be punched with a punch. The harness is stored in a dry room on specially designed hangers. After work, you must inspect all the harness and if repairs need to be made. And one more piece of advice: do not go on a long journey or for long work in a new collar - just like a boot on a person’s foot, the collar should be gradually worn down on a horse!

REFERENCES1. All about the horse / Ed. Zhigachova A.N. - St. Petersburg: Lenizdat, 1996: pp. 338-347.2. Ivanov M.I. The emergence and development of a horse port. - M.: Profizdat, 1960. - P.1-10.3. Kosharov A.N. and others. Horse breeding: Directory. - M.: Kolos, 1992. - P.109-119.4. Onegov A.P., Khrabustovsky I.F., Chernykh V.I. Hygiene of farm animals. - M.: Kolos, 1977. - P.334-337.5. Skorokhodko A.K. Hygiene of farm animals. - M.: Selkhozizdat, 1936. - P.498-513.

Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation. Ulyanovsk State Agricultural Academy. Department of Surgery. Methodological guide for independent work of students on the topic: “Horse harness - basic elements, requirements and features” Ulyanovsk-2004. UDC 636.1. Methodological guide for independent work of students on the topic: “Horse harness - basic elements, requirements and features.” Authors: Bogdanov V.V., Candidate of Veterinary Sciences, Ermolaev V.A., Doctor of Veterinary Sciences. Educational and methodological manual. - Ulyanovsk, UGSHA, 2004.- p. 26. The manual contains the basic requirements for harness, the methodological aspects of Russian (arc) and non-arc harness are described in detail. Designed for students of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. Approved and recommended for publication. Protocol No. 3 from 15.01.Ochg. Reviewer: Associate Professor of the Department of Surgery N.S. Polikarpov.© Bogdanov V.V., Ermolaev V.A., 2004. V.V. Bogdanov V.A. Ermolaev Horse harness - basic elements, requirements and features. Methodological manual for independent work of students. Ulyanovsk, State Agricultural Academy, 2004, p. 26 Plan of 2004, item 204. Signed for printing on January 19, 2004 Format 60 × 80 1/16. Conditional p.l. 1.63 Offset printing, offset paper Order Circulation 150 copies 432980, Ulyanovsk, Novy Venets Boulevard, 1

Bogdanov V V, Ermolaev V A