I know leather its traditional and pretty, and paracord is fun looking. But what about breaking strength/practicality? Is leather stronger than paracord per inch? I myself have made a pair of reins from paracord and do other projects like rabbit harnesses, and I know someone who’s made a driving harness. But is that safe, will it hold up if its quality paracord? Probably not the most clear question and for that I apologize.
Maybe you could contact the manufacturer about breaking strength of strands. Ask if they have results when using multi-strand pieces for breaking strength rating.
I am sure your Para reins are stronger than single layer leather, but how strong are your fastenings? The cord stretches greatly under stress, maybe knots, burned ends, will break loose when thinned down under a mighty pull. Of course the headstall could break first.
As a Driving person, I would really hesitate to recommend a horse using a para-cord harness hitched to a vehicle. This even on a well trained driving horse. The finished product woven or braided, is not smooth on his body, is going to rub the horse in use. Such a harness has no “structure” like leather or wide webbing provides by being a wide, solid mass of material that is not as easily bent or pulled out of shape. Leather or webbing commonly has a smooth surface to aid in unbuckling swiftly, should you need to do that, smoth surface doesn’t rub horse body in most cases.
Harness on a horse in work, is a very different project than a pet animal wearing harness for a walk. The whole design and the way parts lay on the working horse harness support and strengthen the whole system to allow horse to do his job comfortably, SAFELY. Harness maker needs to understand the reasons why each part is included on the system, how it affects the working animals.
1 Like
I understand that the value of leather is precisely that it will break in s wreck. I would be uneasy having a horse rigged up in nylon rope.
5 Likes
No paracord anything for me. I want something that will break under stress in case of emergency (especially outside the arena where, if Horsie and I part company and he decides to leave the county, he will not get hung up on something and be unable to free himself).
2 Likes
Actually we do NOT want any harness breaking in a stressful situation. Well trained driving horses accept odd restraint, like a carriage accident, so they often STAND WELL as you get them out of trouble in competition. The breaking leather pieces will encourage horse to fight to get free, making a bad situation MUCH WORSE! Our synthetic harness has high ratings for strength, it is not going to break. Expensive buckles of stainless steel won’t break or bend when stressed. These features have saved us and horses from panicked injury because they do not fight the odd pull or hold on them when suddenly stopped.
I never use leather halters because they do break under stress. Loose horses are a hazard to others and themselves. It is not going to be my loose horse causing injury to anyone. Horses here get lessons on how to tie well and for long times without a fuss. Old Cowboy training I learned was horses were tied hard and fast because a loose horse meant a very long walk home in high-heeled boots.
1 Like
I think the argument for leather halters in the trailer is that if you’re in an accident you don’t want them completely tied up. That said there are all kinds of leather halters and some of them dissolve very quickly if they are cheap, or are old and starting to rot, or if theyve had previous damage. I’m after a brand new Walsh or equivalent for next summer.
If you want to find leather halters that are close to indestructible take a look at the M1909 reproduction Cavalry halters from places like Border States Leather. I suspect a horse could break one; I don’t suspect it would come easy, though!!! 
G.
Thanks for the leather halter comments. I will stick with my Valhoma nylon halters for strength if needed and ease of care. I can throw them I the washing machine while I work on other stuff! We have so much stuff in leather that it has turned into work keeping it nice. Probably a whole herd of cattle hides in harness, saddles and misc tack! We also have synthetic harness which I love dearly. Easy upkeep by hosing it down or back in the washing machine again, along with the lighter weight to pick up and move in harnessing or packing to go places.
We drive horses in multiples, 2-3-4 at a time. That adds up to lots of harness handling, so light is good on a daily basis!
Somebody one asked me “how many horses can you ride at once?” I said the most I’ve ever seen is two, a Roman Ride. 
Of course when it comes to driving, the most I ever saw in person was 16 at the annual Circus Parade in Milwaukee when I was in college. The last one was held in 2009. I don’t know if there will be anymore. It was a fundraiser for the Circus Museum in Baraboo.
I use nylon halters in the fields and for most purposes. IMO the M1909 is a suitable replacement in terms of strength and durability but you are dead right about maintenance!!! For historical presentations I use the M1909 halter and headstall (they are worn together along with neck rope in cavalry knot). My gelding is about mature enough that we could think about using the 1909 bit and bradoon. That may be this year’s Big Project!
G.
