Has anyone seen the “Leather Road Harness” from these guys? It’s only $199.00. It looks nice from the photos. I’m thinking about getting one.
Any thoughts?
A few concerns.
It is pictured with an overcheck and that style bridle. The overcheck isn’t allowed in ADS competitions and the bridle doesn’t have a noseband, which is required.
The saddle looks awfully narrow, putting all the weight in a concentrated space. Both the breeching and breastcollar are narrow and not padded.
It’s very hard to tell the quality of the leather or stitching from a picture.
Questions
The ad says “vegetable tanned leather.” I’ve heard it is not as supple and moisture can really damage vegetable tanned leather. Is that true?
Also, the ad says “imported.” Imported from where??? Some imported leather is not well tanned, not made with attention to detail, or not durable. It would depend where it comes from and the manufacturer. Am I too cynical???
Generally speaking, you get what you pay for. You can buy cheap harness that will last a few years (and maybe break at the worst possible moment as it nears the end of its short life), or you can buy quality that will last a lifetime (or more).
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My advice:
If you are going to buy cheap harness, get Amish made Bio or beta. It will last forever, never mold, can be hosed off and it is just amazing stuff. Many places serve as distributors for Amish harness, and will work with you to get the right fit and will take it back if not right. Best is to find an Amish company and order direct. Journals like the Draft horse Journal, and driving journals often have ads.
The cheap leathers are often crispy, mold really fast and start cracking soon after purchase. Some times they are made from “mystery leather,” it just doesn’t look or act like cow hide. Also, I think horses must have different proportions in India and China because a lot of the harnesses from these two countries are ill-fitting.
Are you looking for a horse or a pony?
Here are some of my concerns.
For the price and the fact that is says imported - it is likely to be from India. Some of their leather is not bad and some is awful. Some of their brass is not bad and some was cast poorly - you can never tell til it breaks. Even the silver metal is usually chrome over brass.
The saddle looks like it could be an adequate width or it could be narrow. Im guessing it would be OK unless you have a heavy shaft vehicle. Years ago we all drove ALOT with 2 inch saddles and got away with it. What is a nice feature is the padding extends all the way down the inside of the saddle. This gives some additional weight distribution for the horse
I prefer to have 2 connections per side for both the breast collar and breeching - helps them to hang in the proper position. This harness is a single strap and buckle for the breast collar but looks like it may be a split strap and 2 buckles for the breeching
The breast collar looks like it is an adequate width but the breeching is REALLY narrow in comparison and doesnt look at all padded or even double leather. That will be uncomfortable for the horse if you do any work on hills.
The bridle has a lot of bulk at the top of the crownpiece - due to having an overcheck. Though it does also have a noseband. You will most likely take off the overcheck
I recommend that regardless of what harness you purchase, you seriously consider getting a gullet strap. This goes between the throatlatch and noseband -under the chin. It helps keep the bridle on - especially for thick throateed or wide earred breeds (Welsh, Fjord, Haflinger, some Morgans etc)
To go to the next level of harness - Basic Amish-made. You will be double the price of this harness. Im a great advocate of calling the dealer and asking any questions you might have on the quality of the harness and if they have feedback from any of their customers.
Best of luck in your choice
I bought almost this identical harness on ebay a few years ago–didn’t want to spend a ton of money in case my horse didn’t make it in driving. The leather is like cardboard and the fit was never right. The dye rubbed right off I didn’t feel safe using it. I just replaced it with a Walsh synthetic and there’s no comparison. I went back and forth with Walsh a couple of times on fit for the various pieces and they stood by until it fit perfectly.
Save your money and get one by a reputable manufacturer.
[QUOTE=Cielo Azure;4190259]
Also, I think horses must have different proportions in India and China because a lot of the harnesses from these two countries are ill-fitting.[/QUOTE]
I know they can be quite different in India. Tend more towards what we’d consider ponies. Most are very lean. The better horses, like the ones used by the President’s Bodyguard, are more like tanks!
Most Indian leather is tanned using urine so it can also develop an odor when wet. That being said, we bought some LOVELY saddles, bridles, etc. hand made by the saddler to the last British Viceroy. The quality was amazing! We also bought gorgeous custom-made boots. Again, lovely leather. Unless you can go to India yourself you’ll probably be getting the cheap stuff that’s not good rather than the inexpensive stuff that is super, though.
Thanks everyone. It’s just too cheap to be good, I think. but who knows? Maybe I’ll just get one for photo purposes. It is quite pretty and shiny!
Same thoughts on this harness?
http://www.drivingessentials.com/harness_basic.htm
I think you would be very safe with that harness. They are a quality dealer and although basic, the harness should be fine. It has all the features I would look for.
I know of a used pony harness made by Smuckers for $300.00. It isn’t mine, so this isn’t an ad…I’m pretty sure it is still available.
If you want more info I can put you in touch with the person.
NJR
Here’s the info… This is an all leather custom made driving harness made by Smuckers. It was cleaned after every use and is in very good condition. Thick, sound flexible leather with patent leather touches and some fancy tooling to the cheek pieces. Brass fittings, a little oxidized, could use a bit of shining. Saddle has 2 closures for girth for perfect fitting. Comes with 13 foot black/russet reins.
Made for 14 h 900 lb cob sized horse/pony. All straps are buckled in smallest hole, whole harness could be about 3 inches larger at every buckle if let out. Cannot be fit to smaller pony.
Are you all sitting down :yes:
Are you holding on to your seats :yes:
Well I’ve actually got quite a bit of leather harness manufactured in India.
I first bought some about 15 years ago and when I bringing on a young pair that I knew would grow out of it and thinking that if it saw 6 months it would do. The stuff I bought though was very well made and I’ve still got it. I still use it with young horses and though I’ve had to have some minor repair work nothing has failed and personally speaking I can’t fault the quality of manufacture. I’ve frequently bought sets since and particularly to help folks get started with a horse. However the stuff I’m buying is about $450.
Don’t forget there’s no such thing as a bargain and if it sounds too good to be true it will be.
You ought to expect to pay less for something manufactured in India (labour cost is miniscule!) but you shouldn’t buy poor quality leather or poor quality manufacture or fittings.
The one shown though looks in that category. It’s too cheap and tacky and personally speaking I’d not want it or to recommend it even for a short time.
