HARNESS AND VEHICLES. 



is greatest with horses working on level ground. The long- 

 continued, unchanging pressure on the same spot, is much more 

 severe than the shifting which occurs in going up-hill and down. 

 For horses employed at heavy work in warm weather, the device 

 shown in figure 61 affords a very effective 

 protection. It consists of a clean cotton 

 cloth, well smeared with pure tallow, wrap- 

 ped around the collar, and the ends lightly 

 stitched together. It is to fit so lightly 

 as to go under the harness, which aids to 

 hold it in place. A small proportion of 

 beeswax first melted with the tallow will 

 render the apj^Kcation more lasting. Col- 

 lar-pads are also useful for the same pur- 

 pose. They consist of thin quilted pads, 

 worn under the collar. The martingale 

 holds the collar from pressing upward and 

 choking the horse, as it is liable to do in 

 going up-hill, or drawing a load, especially 

 if the shoulders are very sloping. The 

 belly-bands should be buckled just tightly 

 enough for a snug fit, but not to constrict 

 the chest and prevent its proper ex- 

 pansion as the horse inflates his lungs. 

 For light driving the breast collar, shown 

 at figure 62, may be used. This should be 

 fitted weU up from the point of the shoulder, 



as high as possible, without choking. An inch at least should be 

 allowed on each side to accommodate the natural rise of the neck 

 when moving. The pad is to be broad and soft, with the under- 

 girth drawn snug, not tight, the outer girth loose enough to allow 

 for the movement of thiUs. If a cart is used, there must be a safety- 

 strap, as the outer girth must be drawn tight. The breeching should 

 fit weU up on the quarters, as high as possible and not work up over 

 them. The breast collar has a very neat appearance, but is suitable 

 only for hght work. It rests directly upon the point of motion, 

 where any heavy pressure must interfere with freedom of action. 

 Moreover, it lies directly across the windpipe, and horses are some- 

 times choked down when drawing a heavy load up a hill in a breast 

 collar. Yet, for the trotting ring or any hght work in single har- 

 ness, it is preferable to the English collar. It shows off a good horse 

 to the best advantage, and is also useful as a change when the 

 shoulders have become galled from working in a coUar. 



Fig. 61. — SHOUI.DEB 

 PROTECTOR. 



