546 The Book of the Horse. 



this as in the American climate. The breaking of a pole is a very dangerous affair ; it is 

 therefore of very great importance that it should consist of a sound, well-seasoned spar. The 

 greatest strength is secured by a perfectly straight pole, which will bend, if required, like a 

 fishing-rod. In many carriages, in order to obtain the necessary rise from low fore-wheels, 

 the butt-end of the pole must be bent. In such instances extra precautions are required 

 by the pole-maker. 



It should always be remembered that the strength of a carriage, and consequently the 

 size of a pole, should be proportioned to the size and weight of the horses. This is well 

 explained in the following passage from the report by Mr. George N. Hooper, on the Dublin 

 exhibition of carriages. After observing that the results will not be satisfactory unless 

 carriages are properly horsed, the reporter proceeds to say : " Not unfrequently a carriage 

 is ordered for one horse only. When it is partly made, or perhaps finished, fittings are 

 ordered for two horses ; and it sometimes happens that the two horses put to the light 

 one-horse carriage are coach-horses, between i6 and 17 hands in height. Such horses, al- 

 though well adapted to a heavy family carriage, are quite out of their proper place attached 

 to a light one. Although they can draw it at a good pace, and over almost any obstacle 

 in the road, and do their journey without fatigue, the carriage suffers sooner or later. The 

 lounging of such horses against a light pole, the strain thrown on the pole in case of a 

 horse tripping, the certain breakage that must occur in case of a fall, and the risk of over- 

 turning the carriage, should all be considered before putting a very light carriage behind very 

 large horses. It also sometimes happens that miniature broughams, and other very small 

 carriages, built as light and as slight as safety will allow, are afterwards used with a pair 

 of horses. In such cases, even if accidents do not occur through the great strain of a long 

 pole acting as a lever on a very light mechanism, the parts become strained, do not work 

 as they were intended to do, and necessitate constant repair from not being adapted for 

 the work put upon them. Carriage-owners should, in their own interest, have their carriages 

 and horses suited to what they ought and can undergo, bearing in mind that there are 

 advantages and disadvantages both with heavy and light carriages. The former are easier 

 and more comfortable to ride in ; they are safer for horses, drivers, and riders ; and the 

 necessary repairs are less frequently required. The lighter carriages follow the horses 

 more easily, and can therefore do a longer day's journey ; and although the necessary re- 

 pairs may come more frequently, the saving of the horses may be an advantage that many 

 persons will consider of the utmost importance. Such light carriages should, however, be 

 made of the choicest materials and workmanship, that they may do the work required of 

 them." 



DRAG OR BRAKE. 



When breeching is not used — and blood-horses well ribbed up, with good quarters, look 

 better without breeching or hip-straps — a drag of some kind must be used in the country, and 

 a lever-drag in town. The old-fashioned drag consists of an iron slipper attached to a chain. 

 It is applied and removed by hand, and may be seen in daily use on London omnibuses 

 descending Ludgate or Pentonville Hills. Since breeching went out of fashion brakes have 

 been simplified and improved by English mechanics. The most general application is by a 

 lever placed at the right hand of the driver, but it is in some instances arranged so as to 

 be moved by his foot. Tramway cars are always stopped by a strong screw-brake, and 

 never by the horses. 



