TABLE OF COXTENTS. Xlll 



the collar and the hames must be adjusted so as to secure 

 this angle of traction— a neglect of this the most frequent 

 cause of sore necks, &c.— The length of the trace should be 

 suited to the nature of the work — Short traces are handier 

 for town work, but punish the horses unnecessarily — 

 There is no real mechanical advantage iu a short trace, often 

 the contrary — The same applies to the pole aud pole-chains 

 or straps — Horses will work easier and suffer less if not 

 harnessed too short — Those used occasionally under the 

 saddle should never be trussed up between short traces and 

 a short pole or shafts — High wheels are an advantage, but 

 ©nly within certain limits, which depend on the height of 

 the horse's shoulder — The horizontal pull is the most 

 favourable under the exceptions stated, aud where the 

 surface of the road is perfectly level ; but an upward pull is 

 more advantageous where obstacles such as stones or ruts are 

 to be surmounted — The centre of gravity of a loaded two- 

 Vvdieeled vehicle should be placed over the axle-tree ; with 

 four-wheeled ones, nearer to the larger pair of wheels in pro- 

 portion to the difference of size, . . 215-24G 



CHAPTER III. 



TRAINING FOR DRAUGHT. 



Should be undertaken gradually — First accustom your horses 

 to the harness, then to the carriage — Take care that the 

 harness tits well, is strong, and that there is nothing to 

 frighten the horse either in itself or the carriage — Fehrmaun's 

 Horse-saver, its use for training young horses to draught 

 and for general purposes — Pay especial attention to the 

 bitting — See that there is nothing in this to prevent the 

 horse going ahead kindly — Never attempt breaking into 

 harness without one or two assistants — If necessary, begin 

 with a cavesson, and take straight lines— Be cautious of 

 the bearing-reins and crupper at first — It is not fair to 

 argue from the occasional, or even frequent abuse of the 

 bearing-rein that it- should be totally abolished— The 

 crupper frequently very dangerous in harness, and may be 

 dispensed with, by using long breeehings, , 247-269 



