Kinds of Collars 331 



THE COLLAR AND SWEAT-PADS 



Since the service of the horse is so largely accom- 

 plished by the shoulders, it is of the utmost impor- 

 tance that the collar fit the neck and shoulders per- 

 fectly. A poorly fitted collar causes the horse much 

 pain, results in sore neck and shoulders, and is a 

 common cause of viciousness, particularly balking. 

 Collars of many types have been devised to meet 

 the needs of the horse, chief of which are various 

 styles of the common leather, the pneumatic, the 

 metal and the humane, each asserting superiority 

 over the others. 



The pneumatic collar consists of a metal frame 

 lined with rubber, which is inflated siixiilarly to a 

 bicycle tire (Fig. 96, 2). Some of the points made for 

 it are : that it presents to the horse's shoulder a soft, 

 pliable cushion ; the pressure is always evenly dis- 

 tributed over the pulling surface ; no sweat-pads are 

 needed ; always cool ; and that it prevents all forms 

 of sore neck and shoulders. 



The bearing surface of a metal collar is shaped 

 somewhat like that of a leather collar, and all the 

 parts are of metal (Fig. 96, 3). Some of the state- 

 ments in its favor are : that the metal parts keep the 

 shoulders hard and cool ; the shoulders do not sweat, 

 first preventing scalds and then sores ; its surface is 

 smooth ; it fits correctly, as it can be adj usted in 

 either width or length; and it never wears out. 



