The D-Ring Harness: a video review

by Carl B. Russell of Randolph, Vermont

If your mission is to increase your understanding of the safe and dignified application of harnessed animal power, then The D-Ring Harness, by Les Barden, will be a valuable addition to your library. This 40-minute video takes the viewer to Barden Tree Farm, in Farmington, New Hampshire, where Les and his associates deliver a demonstration of the design and function of this particular style of harness.

Mr. Barden’s experience with the D-Ring harness reaches back over seven decades, and through thousands of acres of hay and woodland. He has worked extensively with single, double, and triple horse hitches. This video supplies valuable information, at the same time allowing the viewer to observe in action, a lifetime of knowledge about the working horse. It is specifically intended for those who understand that the value of a harness is how it functions in the field, not how it looks from the road.

With the skill of a practiced educator, Les virtually dissects the D-Ring harness. He covers the basic aspects of the functional design, progressing through proper adjustment, and culminating in application for each of the dimensions he discusses. This is a technical, factual discussion, and Les purposely avoids suppositions and theoretical assumptions.

The entire demonstration is conducted with harnesses in place on Mr. Barden’s team. With horses hitched to a mowing machine, double bobsled, and logging cart, Les shows the beneficial attributes of the D-Ring harness on uneven ground, on icy trails, and maneuvering through the woods. This is where this video reaches beyond the harness and into the art of horsemanship that is not included in the title, but must not be missed by serious students of the craft.

I have known Les personally for many years. I have conversed with him, listened to him, watched him, and worked beside him, and I have found him to possess a wealth of information and insight about the work of working with horses. I strongly recommend watching this video because it provides valuable clarification about the critical aspects of the D-Ring harnessing system. When you are done, take the invitation at the end seriously. You will find Les, and the folks who associate with him, to be very generous with time, intelligent conversation, and good humor.

Les Barden’s The D-Ring Harness video is still available, here is one source: www.mischka.com

Editor’s Note: I want to add my endorsement to Carl’s. I have watched the video and found it to be exceptional. Even beyond the presentation of Les’s important points on the unique function of this harness design, the video is fun and informative for anyone with any interest in good work horses. I was taken, for example, by the images, from over the years, of Les’s different horse teams. The consistency of quality and type of those horses says a great deal about the man’s values and priorities. As for the harness; it deserves a careful look. It could improve the working life of many horses and increase the precision and functionality for many teamsters. LRM