Hame

A hame is a rigid, curved element that forms part of a draft animal’s harness, most commonly used in collar-and-hame harnesses for horses and other draught animals. In a typical setup, there are two hames, one on each side of the neck, which help define the shape of the collar and provide a stable frame for attaching the traces.

Hames are traditionally made from wood, such as ash or hickory, but metal or composite materials are also used in modern harnesses. The hames connect to the collar and to the traces, distributing the pulling force across the animal’s neck and chest while allowing the collar to bear the load safely. The exact construction and attachment methods can vary by harness style, but the purpose remains to maintain the collar’s position and transmit draw force efficiently.

The function of the hames is to maintain the collar’s shape under load, reduce neck pressure points, and help keep the harness aligned with the animal’s body during pulling. They are a defining feature of traditional horse collars and are found in many forms of historical and working equipment, from pleasure drafts to logging teams.

Care and maintenance involve inspecting hames for cracks, splits, or excessive wear, especially in wooden forms. Leather straps and metal fittings should be kept in good condition and properly lubricated or treated as needed. Worn or damaged hames should be repaired or replaced to ensure harness safety and effectiveness. See also horse collar, harness, and traces.