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Donkey & Mule Society of NZ (Inc.)
Buying your Harness
Back to main Driving pageSecond-hand small pony harness can usually be adapted for donkeys quite satisfactorily. The back band will generally need to be lengthened as donkeys are longer than ponies in the body, and the breeching will need shortening as pony bottoms are much more rounded.
If you are buying new harness, your first choice is between synthetic material or leather. Most people will choose synthetic. It is cheaper, easier to care for and clean, it looks good for longer these days than it used to and is equally acceptable to a judge or critic. There are a number of suppliers of synthetic donkey harness and more names will be added to this page very shortly.
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We can recommend Lorien Driving Supplies. Colleen Rebay has made harness for a lot of donkey drivers over the past few years and is familiar with the special differences in donkey shape. Service is helpful and prompt and prices competitive. Her address is R.D.2, Waverley, Ph/fax 06 346 5422 business, 06 346 5815 after hours. The very basic harness costs approx. $420.00 but a version with a sliding backband at approx. $730.00 is recommended for anyone planning to do a lot of driving. If you have two donkeys and think you might one day like to drive a pair, talk to Colleen about her pair harness that converts to a single.
Another highly recommended supplier is Jaison Harness, Mr John Simpson, 17 Sydney Street, Auckland. Ph 09 486 0843. He has supplied harness for the DB team of Clydesdales and makes his donkey harness with equal care. His synthetic harness will cost approx. $650.00, complete with sliding backband, and a leather set for the traditionalists will cost about $1,000.00.
Mike and Jill Nelson of Equestria New Zealand Limited run a business supplying Zilco harness made of high-quality synthetic material, vehicles suitable for a donkey to pull and the most extensive range of equestrian books in New Zealand. They will be familiar to many of you from their displays at our AGM meetings and many horse meetings round the North Island. They are very donkey-orientated and helpful. Their address is Maxted Road, R.D.3, Drury 1750; Ph 09 294 8233, Fax 09 294 8293, E-Mail
When you buy harness, it comes as a complete set with bridle, reins and harness. You will need to decide when you order your harness whether you want the bridle to come with blinkers or without, and also whether you prefer brass or nickle buckles and attachments.
Happy Driving!