512 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Auo., 1918. 



GOOD FITTING COLLARS ESSENTIAL. 



With the great demand for horse-power on the farm and in the army, 

 we are looking after the welfare of our horses somewhat more carefully. 

 Protecting them from pain while at work or at rest is about on a par 

 with good food and shelter in aiding these faithful animals to generate 

 their maximum amount of power. 



Sore shoulders and neck are common sources of pain to the working 

 horse. Since these important parts are under such severe pressure 

 while pulling a load, it is very necessary to keep them sound. It has 

 been found that practically all injuries to these regions can be avoided 

 if proper care is exercised. Poorly-fitting collars and neglect to the 

 parts themselves are potent causes of shoulder and neck troubles. 



It is well to remember the old maxim, " fit the collar to the horse and 

 not the horse to the collar." The necks and shoulders of horses (writes 

 J. "W. Benner, in the Maritime Farmer) are found to differ about as 

 much in shape as those of people, so a collar fitting one horse is often- 

 times a misfit for another. 



Best results are obtained where the collar follows closely the contour 

 of the shoulders and fits in closely to the sides of the neck. Collars that 

 are too wide, which stand away from the sides of the neck too far, cause 

 harmful friction upon the working surface of the shoulders, often 

 resulting in the formation of abscesses, ulcers, and shoulder sweeney. 



The care of these important regions of the horse's body is simple 

 enough if the proper collar is chosen for the animal. In hot summer 

 weather it is good practice to wash the shoulders and necks of horses 

 every evening when the collar is removed. It should never be done 

 just before the animal is to be worked, for the skin should always be dry 

 when the collar is to work upon it. 



Common soap of non-irritating qualities may be used for bathing 

 these parts, or a choice of two or three other preparations may be made. 

 Cold salt water, water with a little vinegar added, or about one per cent, 

 alum water may be substituted for the soap and water, and seem to be 

 somewhat more toughening to the skin than the latter. 



— The Queenslander. 



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