836 THE farmers' handbook. 



The light position tor the breeching is about -5 or 4 inches below the hip 

 joints. Here it does not interfere with the action of the horse, and he is 

 able to throw his whole weight into it if necessary. If allowed to drop down 

 too low it causes irritation, and may lead to kicking. 



The breeching -straps should not be buckled too tightly, or the breeching 

 will interfere with the free action of the hindquarters and also cause kicking. 

 It should be just so tight that when the horse is fully extended it does not- 

 tighten on the legs. 



Kicking -straps are required on sonic horses doing vehicle work. A kicking 

 strap is a strong leather band which is passed over the rump, and attached 

 to the shafts just behind the breeching staples. The further it can be kept 

 back towards the tail the more effective it is. It is kept in position by 

 attaching it to the crupper. 



The reins sometimes consist of black leather throughout, but for the sake of 

 cleanliness some stained leather is frequently used for the grip. They should 

 be sufficiently long to leave a margin of about 3 feet when the horse is- 

 t rotting. If too long, the loose ends are troublesome. 



It is a controversial point whether bearing-reins should be tolerated. If 

 misused, they are an instrument of torture, but on some horses are very 

 useful when carefully adjusted. .Some are such inveterate pullers that, 

 without the bearing-reins, they pvdl heavily on the hands of the driver, 

 to his exceeding discomfort. When used, the bearing- reins are brought up 

 and hung over a hook placed in the saddle-pad. They should be long enougl 

 to allow the ordinary free carriage of the head. 



Care of Harness. 



Harness perishes very quickly if neglected, but if reasonable care is 

 exercised it will last for years. Plated harness should not be kept in the 

 stables, as the gases arising from the decomposition of the excreta tarnish 

 the fittings. Immediately the harness is brought in the dust should be 

 carefully wiped off with a soft cloth or leather, and mud or sweat removed 

 by washing with water, but on no account should too much be used. The bits 

 should be well washed in clean water, thoroughly dried, and rubbed over 

 with a little neatsfoot oil. The leather should be kept soft and pliable by 

 using some dressing. Any one of the proved commercial compositions is 

 suitable and cheap. 



Heavy harness does not require the same attention, but it must be kepi 

 pliable and tough by oiling at regular intervals. Leather which is not 

 treated soon becomes hard under our dry conditions, and cracks, while the 

 stitching decays. A very suitable dressing is pure neatsfoot oil. Some 

 very effective and cheap mixtures are on the market for dressing heavy 

 harness. 



The Line of Draught. 



By the line of draught is meant the direction in which a force acts m 

 moving a load. In practice the line of draught in ploughing lies for part of 

 its distance in the chains. The direction may be correct or incorrect ; if the 

 latter, it means that a portion of the horses energy is being expended 

 uselessly. To obtain the fullest advantage from his strength, it is necessary 

 that the line of draught be so placed that nothing obstructs its direct actioii 

 on the load. 



