HARNESSING. 57 



out from the pole; the latter way is probably prefer- 

 able. 



Horses left to stand harnessed in the stable should 

 be turned round in the stalls and fastened with the 

 T's of two pillar-reins passed through the rings of the 

 bridoon of bit. Should there be no pillar-reins in 

 pairs belonging to the stern-posts of each stall, tie the 

 horses' heads up with the rack-rein, so as to prevent 

 their lying down in the harness. 



As a maxim, never leave a bridle on in the stable, 

 unless in the case where the head can be sustained by 

 a pair of pillar-reins from the stern-posts. Most seri- 

 ous accidents have occurred through neglect of this 

 rule. 



In Talcing or "putting to" the shafts of a vehicle 

 must never be left on the ground while the horse is 

 being backed into them. If the shafts touch him he 

 will probably kick, or he may injure by standing on 

 them. In double harness, especially with spirited 

 animals, to prevent the danger of their backing, and 

 being induced to kick by coming in contact with the 

 splinter-bar when putting to, first confine them to the 

 point of the pole by the pole chains or leathers, so 

 lengthened as to enable the traces to be attached (the 

 outer ones first) to the carriage ; which done, tighten 

 the chains or leathers to their working length. Acci- 

 dents may thus be averted. From the moment horses 

 are " put to " their draught, until they are driven off, 

 some one should stand before their heads, whether they 

 be in single, pair, or four-horse harness. 



Traces. — Great care should be taken in adjusting 

 these to prove that they are of an even length, as the 

 least deviation in equality is liable, by pressure on one 



