Before putting the collar on, it should be formally 

 shewn to the horse, and a little conversation introduced, 

 including the mention of the animal's name, and a few 

 pats upon the neck, or (to use a military term) to make 

 "much of him," particularly if a young horse; which is done 

 in less time than it takes to write it, and thereby does 

 not mean losing time, but time saving. By such little 

 attentions the help and assistance of the horse is being 

 asked, (the result of which is very noticeable in well 

 regulated stables,) and is never refused by a horse 

 that has been properly appealed to. For putting the 

 Collar on the neck, it is first turned upside down, with the 

 wale or rim towards the fitter, and when it is close to the 

 eyes of the horse it should never be pushed up with a rush 

 or series of sudden jerks towards the ears, for under such 

 circumstances it invariably happens that the head of the 

 horse goes with the pressure and not against it, thus losing 

 both power and time. The usual practice is that a gentle 

 twist be brought to bear with both the hands each side 

 the draught of the collar, and the housing pressed some- 

 what under towards the neck, and with the corresponding 

 help of the horse, the collar is easily and quietly passed 

 beyond the ears. It should then be immediately turned 

 over into its proper position, (housing up) being reversed 

 the way of the mane, and at once carried down to the 

 shoulders.* The old-fashioned way of fixing the names 

 upon the collar while it is close to the ears at the top of the 

 neck, and before it is reversed is very reprehensible, 

 being tiring and irritating both to man and horse, and 

 causes an extra amount of operating in front of the animal 

 than is necessary, and likewise adds materially to the 

 weight, encumbrance, and risk incurred in throwing the 

 collar, names, and traces round the animal's neck. 



* This of course will be understood to apply only to horses that do not necessitate 

 an open topped collar. 



r 



