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FITTING THE HARNESS. 



" How poor are they that have not patience." 

 In fixing the harness upon the horse it is necessary 

 that all the parts comprising the set should be 

 a close fit, but at the same time everything must be 

 easy, or to use an old term so that the hand can be 

 placed between. The only item of the set that should 

 be really pulled tight is the top hamejstrap, because the 

 fit and form of the collar depends upon the exact manner 

 in which the hames are attached and retained. In 

 harnessing the horse the first part to commence with 

 is the Saddle, and its immediate belongings. The 

 crupper and breech-band should be placed (not thrown) 

 carefully across the back, and left loose until the crupper 

 dock is put in position, which is done by doubling the tail 

 under, and keeping the same held up until the dock is 

 fixed close, without leaving any hairs between, the whole of 

 which is done by standing up near to the horse's side, 

 with the operator's back towards its head, which will 

 prevent the horse doing any injury; and the quicker and 

 quieter this part of the business is performed the better, 

 as the Americans say " Hurry up ! fix it clean, and 

 right away." 



THE CRUPPER-DOCK should always be a good sub- 

 stance, or thickness, and must not be made too hard, it is 

 then considerably easier for the horse than a thin one, and 

 will cause the tail to be carried more showily. There is 

 some art on the part of the harness maker in properly shap- 

 ing the dock ; which is invariably stuffed with paper ; but 



