£30 THE farmers' handbook. 



The eye-pieces of the winkers should project outwards from the eyes at 

 the front, but must fit closely behind. The bit should be sufficiently strong 

 to stand the work required of it, but should not be cumbersome. An ordi- 

 nary snaffle-bit is suitable for most work. It should be fitted to the winkers 

 so that it lies within a quarter of an inch of the bars of the lips — that is, 

 the junction of the upper and lower lips. If drawn up tightly, the bit pro- 

 duces chapped lips, and is responsible for much pain; while if it is too low, 

 it is also likely to cause inconvenience, and may be pushed out of the 

 mouth. 



On the winkers for draught horses it is an advantage to have the bit 

 attached on one side with a short, light strap, so that it can be easily and 

 quickly slipped out of the mouth if desired, without removing the winkers. 



Bearing-reins are required to prevent the horse cropping at the grass as 

 he moves along. When at work they are buckled over the tops of the hames, 

 just sufficiently tight to allow of the free carriage of the head. Where a 

 pair are used with a pole, the bearing-reins prevent the horses lowering 

 their heads and so catching their headgear on the pole. 



The collar is the most important part, as it is upon that the horse exerts 

 his strength. For heavy horses they are either simply curved or rounded at 

 the lower part, or are piped to allow of freer action of the windpipe. The 

 latter are the more satisfactory, especially on horses with prominent wind- 

 pipes. 



Scrupulous care should be exercised in the selection of the collar. It 

 should not fit too tightly on the whole or any one part of the shoulder, and 

 it should not be too large. Chafing is caused principally by large fittings 

 -rubbing over a part, just as large boots chafe the feet. 



The chief seat of injury is the point of the shoulder. This is the most 

 prominent part, and when the collar fits badly most of the pressure is taken 

 by it instead of being distributed over the full surface. 



Injuries frequently occur at the withers. Such usually happen when the 

 collars fit badly, or when the horses have to carry weight upon their necks, 

 as they have in pole work. It is a form of injury which is particularly 

 dangerous, as it may lead to an incurable fistula. The necks of some horses 

 are very thick at the top, and the ordinary collars are not wide enough. It 

 is necessary to get collars specially made for such horses. 



The shape of the shoulder changes considerably when the horse is put to 

 -fast work, and the fit of the collar then must be noticed. It can be seen by 

 examining the collar and surface of the shoulder immediately he is taken 

 out after work. 



Nothing is so liable to cause injury to the shoulders and to prevent the 

 horse exerting his full strength as a flat collar. A well-fitting collar, when 

 new, is roundly stuffed, and fits closely over the shoulder. It possesses a 

 springiness which makes it comfortable, but after a little use the stuffing is 

 compressed, and the inner surface becomes flat. All collars, after they have 

 been used for a time, should be restuffed. 



Collars are lined with serge or leather. The latter material is cooler and 

 easier to keep clean, but is liable to crack. This is a discouragement to its 

 use in all but light harness. Sweat and dirt accumulate on the surface, and 

 should be regularly removed. If allowed to remain, a hard condition is 

 produced, which causes chafing. 



