Fine Harness Progress
A donation to the IPABRA Tack Library.
I've gathered most of the materials I need, but see, today, that I need to order another, smaller snaffle bit for the overcheck. I did get the overcheck rein harness split and rounded to my satisfaction. Last night I got some leathers out of my storage to make the straps I'll need for most of the harness that are not 1/8 and was able to start on the browband and blinkers. The blinkers attach to the headstall cheeks by a sheath of leather that slides up and down the cheek and is held in place by buckles. The reference I saw may have been for a heavier breed, though, and I want to research more. The shape and size is correct, however, for the Saddlebreds and NSH Fine Harness champion ring photos I've seen. The browband is also a good size and thickness. It still needs some edge finishing and I'll decide how to attach it to the headstall (via a black looped strap or to loop it, itself). The color of it is really much less intense than the photo looks, the sunlight I photographed it in added a lot of blue tone to it! All of it is sticky-waxed to Isabel for these photos. The harness will be fitted to the Rejoice Breyer mold, but should be a good size to fit other, smaller models (however, Rejoice seems to be the only one that will fit with the viceroy cart, because of tails). I'm posting these photos to get some different perspective on the parts, ask questions on fit and function, and report on progress. |