338 



Harnessing the Colt 



THE BREECHING AND HOLD-BACKS 



When there is much backing to be done, or in 

 sections that are mountainous or hilly, the breeching 

 and hold-backs assume much importance. As a 

 rule, very little attention is given either the breech- 

 ing or hold-backs, yet their absence frequently results 

 in sore necks and sore backs, particularly among 

 work horses. If the breeching is too loose or the 

 hip-straps too long, allowing the former to hang low, 

 it will wear the hair off the horse's hind legs, and in 

 addition, the vehicle will have a jerky motion. On 

 the other hand, if the breeching is too tight, it will 

 interfere with the animal's action and efficiency. 

 In mountainous sections the ^' Pennsylvania" breech- 

 ing is preferred. This breeching differs from the 

 common in passing over the top of the rump just 

 above the tail instead of around the quarters. 



For heavy work, care should be exercised in choos- 

 ing and adjusting the hold-backs. While there are 

 many makes of hold-backs and backers on the 

 market, they can all be divided into four general 

 classes ; namely, breeching • and shaft hold-back, 

 yoke and collar hold-back, breeching and belly 

 martingale hold-back, and Boston hold-back. These 

 hold-backs and backers may be attached in a variety 

 of ways. The breeching is used with each except the 

 yoke and collar backer. Often the saddle is dis- 

 carded in the breeching and belly martingale and 



