OR, The Turn Out. 49 



It is the Author's opinion that if piped collars were gene- 

 rally adopted, they could not, and would not, be out of place 

 under any circumstances. 



Breast-Collars are never in much demand, and are not as 

 a rule considered any improvement to the general appearance 

 of the *'Turn Out"; in fact, the writer condemns them, 

 unless for occasional wear ; for permanent wear, they are an 

 ej^esore, and dangerous to the horse. 



The same argument, to some extent, applies to rush collars, 

 but they possess the advantage of being handy, light, and non- 

 chafing, and, if well fitted and properly leathered for the hame- 

 draft, reindees, and top-strap, and woolled under the lining, 

 they will wear a long time, besides being readily, and with little 

 cost and risk, cut, altered, or eased for sore necks, as circum- 

 stances may require. Some collars are made without housings, 

 the side pieces of which are all in one, running right round 

 the collar, and, being as a rule manufactured of the best 

 material, have a very neat and light appearance. These are 

 called " broad top," or " London-topp'd " collars. The stage 

 and van collars are frequently used now of the same form and 

 make, but of course considerably heavier, and of plain leather; 

 they answer the purpose equally as well as with the unsightly 

 housing on the top. If a collar should be too lar^e, a false 

 collar, or shell, can be adapted, which, in case of sore neck, 

 is very useful ; they can be made either of solid leather, or 

 double basil, stuffed with wool and quilted throughout. 



The Bridle is the most complicated part of the whole set, 

 being nothing but an ingenious mechanical contrivance, or 

 number of straps and bands put together for the purpose of 

 carrying the bit safely and securely in the horse's mouth, and 

 for no other purpose was it invented ; therefore, in fixing the 

 head-strap, front, throat-band, winker straps (if any), and 

 nose-band, the hit must not be lost sight of. Bridles are cer- 

 tainly not required to be lumbering, or heavy, but all the 

 billets must be strong. In taking up or loosing out the 

 cheeh-hillets, the position, bearing, and action of the bit is 

 materially altered, and the horse's temper considerably 

 afiected, as the case may be. The throat-hand should never 

 be buckled tight, but just as safety (in keeping the bridle 

 in its proper position) demands. It is possible for the front 

 to be but a quarter of an inch too short, which over- 

 sight will cause the head-strap to press against the ears, 

 pulling them forward, and so allow the luinkers to drop, 

 adding considerably to the risk of the horse slipping 



