344 Harnessing the Colt 



work to keep them presentable. This extra time 

 might more profitably be utilized in grooming the 

 horses (p. 357). Nothing is so inappropriate as well- 

 polished harness on poorly groomed horses. In 

 choosing work harness, therefore, discard the extra 

 fixtures, trimmings and the like. On the other hand, 

 in choosing harness for fancy or fashionable turnouts, 

 for display, for advertisement and the like, the more 

 trimmings and brass fixtures it contains the better 

 it serves the purpose intended. 



There is an arrangement in connection with the 

 use of heavy harness that would result in much com- 

 fort to the horse and in a saving, if it could be at- 

 tained. It is to secure light parts where light parts 

 will serve, as in the bridle, reins, lines, back-straps 

 and the like, and to use heavy harness only where 

 needed, as in the tugs, hold-backs, breeching and 

 breast-straps. There is no need of having heavy, 

 wide-leathered bridles, heavy reins, lines, back- 

 bands, even on heavy harness, as they play no part 

 in bearing the load and are often a hindrance to both 

 horse and driver, and in addition they are rather 

 expensive. Lighter harness where it bears no part 

 of the load will serve every purpose. 



CARING FOR HARNESS 



Harness should be properly cared for, as this will 

 increase the length of its usefulness and lessen the 



