HAMES — HANDLING 



together at the top. If a harness horse falls in an awkward 

 position this may be unbuckled so as to loosen the traces. 

 (See Hafnes.) 



Hames. — The bent pieces of metal, connected by links 

 at the bottom and fastened by a strap and buckle at the top, 

 which fit into a groove in the collar. The traces are attached 

 to the lower middle part of the hames, and towards the top 

 there are rings for the reins to pass through. (See Collars, 

 Harness.) 



Ham-string. — The tendon which runs down the back of 

 the second thigh to the point of the hock. (See Hind-legs.) 



Hand. — A hand is the unit of measurement used in 

 referring to the height of horses, and represents 4 inches. 

 Thus the horse of 61 inches would be referred to as standing 

 15 hands i inch. (See freight.) 



Hand Gallop. — A last, smooth canter such as a rider 

 enjoys when his mount settles down at a rate which does not 

 quite approach his fastest speed. (See Canter, Gallop.) 



Handiness. — A horse is said to be handy when he not 

 only has been well broken, but will answer readily to the 

 bit, or the touch of his rider's legs. Handiness, in short, is 

 the ability to turn and move gracefully without reluctance. 

 (See Manners.) 



Handling. — All foals should be accustomed to be handled 

 from their earliest days, as if so they will be less shy and 

 timid as they grow up, and cause less trouble to their breakers. 

 Consequently, the man who has foals in charge should as 

 frequently as possible rub their heads (it is remarkable how 

 some horses dislike having their heads touched), pick up 

 their feet, and generally familiarise them with the touch of 

 the human hand. (See Breaking, Foals.) 



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