HARNESSING. 61 



Under ordinary circumstances the open collars are not 

 preferable, as the opening and closing weakens the rim, 

 and is likely to put them out of shape ; but as grooms 

 have a fashion of putting the collar on with the rigid 

 hames tightly buckled round it, the whole process of 

 forcing a small closed collar over a beast's larger head 

 is so repulsive to him that in time he learns to dread 

 the very sight of a collar. The plan of putting on the 

 collar with the hames attached to it should never be 

 permitted. 



Saving-Collar, and description of make. — This is 

 generally formed by harness -makers of basil with 

 quilted padding. More serviceable than this will be 

 found the saving-collar cut of single leather, from the 

 soft or belly part of the cow-hide. A breast-strap is 

 placed at the bottom of the collar with a loop and 

 buckle at the end, through which the belly-band of the 

 terret-pad passes to confine the collar. 



Every owner of harness should be provided with one 

 or two saving-collars of this description to be used 

 where severe work is expected, on long journeys, or 

 with animals new to harness. They should be open at 

 the top, to fasten there with two buckles and narrow 

 straps, the tightening or lengthening of the latter en- 

 abling it to be fitted to the horse's size. Some care is 

 necessary to observe that the regular collar does not 

 rub the buckles of the saving-collar against the horse's 

 neck and make a sore. 



The saving-collar should be always kept well moist- 

 ened with grease or oil, and carefully looked to after 

 use, the crusted sweat and dandriff being scraped off it. 

 In the absence of a saving- collar, the collar itself should 

 be watched in the same respect. 



