CHAPTER VI. 



HARNESS AND DRIVING. 



HARNESS. 



PROPER harness and harnessing are of the first importance in 

 driving horses, and no one should attempt to handle the reins, 

 and especially those attached to spirited horses, without more 

 or less intimate knowledge of the different parts of harness 

 equipment, how these should be put on and fit, and even what 

 should be done in repairing or replacing them in cases of 

 emergency, when they are broken, and when other parts cannot 

 be substituted. The necessity for this knowledge is sometimes 

 made most unpleasantly evident, as when a careless groom or 

 hostler prepares the way for an accident by improperly har 

 nessing or putting-to a nervous or high-mettled horse, and the 

 driver is not cognisant of the risk he incurs. 



It is needless to state that for safety and efficiency, as well 

 as durability, harness should be of good material and well 

 made ; while for comfort and convenience it should be as 

 simple and light as may be compatible with strength and other 

 requirements. 



The chief parts of harness for single draught, whether light 

 or heavy, fast or slow, are : for the body, collar and traces ; 

 pad or saddle, with tugs, to support the shafts; crupper to 

 keep the pad in its place ; breeching to assist in backing the 

 carriage or prevent its running on to the horse in descending 

 a hill ; and if the horse be inclined to kick, a kicking strap. 



