Light Breeching and Hold-hacks 339 



Boston hold-backs, in which cash the crotch back- 

 straps and hip-straps are usually employed. 



The breeching and shaft hold-back is used only 

 with single rigs. With this hold-back the breeching 

 is attached directly to the shaft by means of the hold- 

 back straps (Fig. 19). After the breeching is prop- 

 erly adjusted, the main point to be noted is that the 

 hold-back straps are of the proper length. If too 

 short, they draw the horse forward, thus interfering 

 with his action and efficiency ; whereas if too long, the 

 breeching hangs loose and the rig will have a jerky 

 motion and be annoying to the animal. As this 

 hold-back increases the draft on the belly-band, the 

 latter should be of good quality and properly ad- 

 justed. 



The yoke and collar hold-back is intended only for 

 light vehicles. With this hold-back the backing is 

 accomplished very largely with the neck by means 

 of the yoke and collars (Fig. 98). Sometimes a 

 martingale-band passing from the lower end of the 

 collar, the breast-strap or the yoke between the fore- 

 legs to the belly-band is used, and a part of the 

 backing is accomplished by pulling down on the 

 saddle. With this attachment it is very important 

 that the saddle fit properly and that the back be 

 well protected by the use of a saddle pad or hous- 

 ings. One reason for the popularity of this hold- 

 back is that no breeching is needed, and it is becom- 

 ing a fad among owners of light harness horses to 



