TANDEM. 499 



ring is used it should be fastened to one of the billets of the 

 coupling reins when the horses are being harnessed and later 

 slipped over the rein to which it is attached, and the billet 

 of the other coupling-rein run through it. When one horse 

 of a pair carries his head higher than his mate or is in the 

 habit of throwing his head up and down, the coupling-rein 

 wliich is attached to his bit should be placed over the other 

 coupling-rein. 



If buxton or gig bits are used the bearing-rein should 

 be drawn up and fastened as soon as the horses are put to. 

 Unless this precaution is taken there is a possibility of the 

 horse catching the bar at the bottom of the bit over the 

 pole top, in the event of which there is every likelihood that 

 a " vet " carriage builder and harness maker will have to be 

 called in to repair the damage. If an interfering boot is to 

 be used it should be strapped in place as soon as the horse 

 is put to. If the horses are to remain any length of time 

 before being used, they should either be secured by tie reins 

 or a servant should stand at their heads. 



TANDEM. 



In putting to a tandem the leader's traces should be 

 about nine feet six inches long, measured from the point at 

 the end of the hame-tug to the snap hook. If the traces 

 are much longer they are apt to fall under the horse's hind 

 legs, and if much shorter the fore legs of the wheel horse 

 are apt to become crossed, owing to the pressure of one or 

 the other of the leader's traces when making a sharp turn. 

 White's lead bars are recommended to beginners, as by the 

 use of these bars shorter lead traces may be used, which ren- 

 ders the possibility of the leader getting a leg over the traces 



