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Before putting the Hames on, it is important to know 

 that they fit the collar exactly, in fact, the writer as a rule 

 makes it a special point to have them fitted in form to the 

 identical collar dy tlic Jianic maker, thus preventing any 

 fear of their slipping off in wear. That the hames 

 should never move or spring from the position in which 

 they are placed, is a matter of serious moment, — hence 

 the importance of sound straps. The hames must not be 

 too long or too short, in fact, make-shift, cannot com- 

 patible with safety, be applied to this portion of the 

 harness under any circumstances. In nicely and promptly 

 fixing the hames it is necessary to buckle them lightly to 

 the collar for the time, during the process of running the 

 hands round them to see that they are properly adjusted; 

 after which the top strap is pulled up as close or tight as 

 possible. The form of the collar should be carefully 

 studied by the saddler, for each particular animal. It is a 

 saying — that " Horses necks vary like Human faces," — and 

 it is well-known that the collar is the most important part 

 of the whole harness, as regards comfort to the horse ; 

 whether it be used with Four-in-hand, Pair horse, Tandem, 

 Gig, Dog-Cart, Phaeton, Trap, Buggy, Stage, Waggon, 

 Dray, Cart, Pit, or Plough ; and the whole of the before- 

 mentioned and following remarks and comments, are 

 applicable in either case. Some horses require a very 

 narrow collar, which must be made so, and not adapted; 

 some are wide at the bottom and straight at the top, others 

 the reverse. Collars have been manufactured by the 

 author, and are still in wear, absolutely odd-sided, and no 

 other form would answer, (for the horse they were made) 

 a single journey ; but most collars more or less require to 

 be full in the draught, and made perfectly true. Some 

 horses, on account of their extreme width across the head, 

 (or eyes) necessitate an open topped collar, which is never 

 advisable when it can in any way be dispensed with, the 



