Putting a harness on a donkey involves a systematic approach, ensuring the animal's comfort and safety while preparing it for work or driving. The process typically starts with the bridle and moves through the various components that make up a complete harness system.
How to Put a Harness on a Donkey
Harnessing a donkey requires patience, a gentle demeanor, and a good understanding of each harness component. Proper fitting is crucial for the donkey's well-being and the effectiveness of the harness.
1. Preparation and Safety First
Before you begin, ensure both you and your donkey are in a calm environment.
- Gather Your Equipment: Lay out all parts of the harness in order, making sure everything is clean, in good repair, and free of any sharp edges or broken straps.
- Acclimate Your Donkey: Allow your donkey to become accustomed to the harness by letting it sniff and investigate the equipment. Talk to your donkey in a soothing voice to build trust.
- Inspect the Harness: Check all buckles, straps, and leather for wear and tear. A damaged harness can be unsafe.
2. Fitting the Bridle
The bridle is usually the first component to go on, providing control and communication.
- Approach Gently: Stand at your donkey's side, facing its head. Offer the bridle calmly.
- Position Over Ears: Carefully undo any necessary bridle straps and gently put it over the donkey's ears, ensuring a smooth placement.
- Insert the Bit: Once the crownpiece is over the ears, hold the bit in one hand and guide it towards the donkey's mouth. Nicely ask him to put the bit in his mouth, encouraging him with a calm voice. If needed, you can place a thumb in the corner of his mouth to encourage him to open it.
- Fasten and Adjust: Once the bit is in, pull the crownpiece fully over the ears and forelock. Fasten the throatlatch, ensuring it's loose enough that you can fit three to four fingers comfortably. Adjust the noseband so it sits about two fingers below the cheekbone and is snug but not tight. The bit should sit comfortably in the mouth, creating one or two wrinkles at the corners.
3. Positioning the Back Pad or Saddle
The back pad or saddle distributes weight evenly across the donkey's back.
- Center on Back: Place the back pad or saddle carefully onto the donkey's back, just behind the Withers. Ensure it's centered and not too far forward or back.
- Fasten the Girth: Reach under the donkey's belly and bring the girth up to buckle it on the other side. Tighten it gradually, checking for any skin pinching. You should be able to slide a flat hand between the girth and the donkey's belly.
- Secure Back Strap (if applicable): If your harness has a back strap that goes over the rump, adjust it for comfort.
4. Attaching the Breast Collar or Breastplate
The breast collar is crucial for pulling and distributing the load across the donkey's chest.
- Place Over Chest: Drape the breast collar over the donkey's chest, ensuring it sits above the point of the shoulder and doesn't restrict breathing or movement.
- Connect to Back Pad: Attach the breast collar to the back pad or saddle using the appropriate straps and buckles. Adjust it so it's snug enough to stay in place but not tight. You should be able to fit a hand comfortably between the collar and the chest.
5. Securing the Breeching (If Applicable)
Breeching is used for braking, backing up, and holding the cart back on downhill slopes.
- Position Around Hindquarters: Gently place the breeching around the donkey's hindquarters, just below the point of the buttock.
- Connect and Adjust: Attach the breeching to the back pad or saddle using the hip straps. Adjust it so it's loose enough to allow full leg movement but snug enough to engage when the donkey backs up or holds a load. Typically, four fingers can fit between the breeching and the donkey's hindquarters.
6. Connecting the Traces
Traces are the straps that connect the harness to the cart or implement.
- Attach to Breast Collar/Back Pad: Connect the traces to the rings or tugs on the breast collar or back pad, depending on your harness style.
- Ensure Proper Length: The length of the traces will determine the distance between the donkey and the cart. Ensure they are even and appropriately set for the specific task.
7. Final Adjustments and Checks
Once all components are on, a thorough final check is essential.
- Walk Around: Walk around your donkey, checking every strap and buckle.
- Comfort and Movement: Ensure no straps are twisting, rubbing, or causing discomfort. All parts should allow the donkey a full range of motion.
- Donkey's Reaction: Observe your donkey's body language. It should appear relaxed and comfortable.
Harness Components at a Glance
| Harness Part | Primary Function | Key Adjustment Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Bridle | Control, communication | Crownpiece over ears, bit gently in mouth, throatlatch/noseband snug but not tight. |
| Back Pad/Saddle | Weight distribution, connection point for other parts | Centered on back, girth snug (four fingers fit). |
| Breast Collar | Pulling, load distribution | Sits above shoulders, allows full chest expansion (one hand fits). |
| Breeching | Braking, backing, holding load | Around hindquarters, allows leg movement (four fingers fit). |
| Traces | Connects to cart/implement | Even length, appropriate for task. |
For more detailed guidance on donkey care and training, consult reputable animal husbandry resources or experienced equine professionals.
