CASTING AND SECURING HARNESS AND ROPES. 141 



Four hobble straps (G) (7) (8) (9) are used on casting by 

 this method. To the end of each chain a 12-foot rope is at- 

 tached. In casting the horse these ropes are carried from their 

 attachment to the body girth to and through hobble strap rings 

 (6) (7) on each hind pastern. Then forward (10) (11) to 

 and through hobble strap rings on fore pasterns; thence up- 

 ward to and through the lock buckles (3)- To cast the animal 

 traction is made on free end of main ropes (12). This draws 

 all the feet together and against the body girth and they are 

 retained there by the action of the self-locking buckles on each 

 side. After the horse is cast the loin strap (2) is buckled at 

 each end around each hind leg above the ankle. This holds 

 the hind legs flexed and secure. 



Figure 164 represents Cowie's improved casting and secur- 

 ing harness as modified by Lewis. The modification consists 

 of a breast collar attached to body girth on each side of horse. 

 This breast collar carries two buckles (16) into which the knee 

 straps (not shown in the illustration) buckle. The knee straps 

 are buckled around the leg above the ankles and answer the 

 same purpose in front as the loin strap (2) do behind. The 

 breast strap (17) prevents the body girth from slipping back- 

 ward. 



"One Man" Methods of Casting and Securing a Horse. 



There are at least five good and reliable methods whereby 

 one man is enabled to cast and secure a full grown horse with 

 ease and safety. The methods referred to are the Russian, Gal- 

 vayne, Gleason, Magner and Rarey. 



Russian Method. 



The Russian method, Figure 165 (first position), is not 

 intended to be used by a "tenderfoot." It requires courage, 

 strength, alertness and practice. To cast by this method a 12- 

 foot rope carrying a loop at one end is necessary. If the horse 

 is to be cast on the near side the operator stands close to the 

 horse on that side. Be sure and do not fall before the horse 

 does. A loop is passed around the base of the neck. The free 



