HARNESS. 129 



uneasy; while if they are too short the pad and tugs are 

 pushed forward, and the crupper is rendered too tight. 



For heavy draught horses, the saddle should be large, so as 

 to ensure ample length and width of bearing surface, and be 

 also well stuffed. These horses are much more liable to sore 

 backs than light harness horses, because they receive less 

 attention, and also because of the harder work they undergo, 

 and the stuffing and lining of the saddles being allowed to 

 become hard and lumpy. 



The breeching is generally worn in single harness, but it is 

 really only required when the carriage is heavy, to assist in 

 backing it or in going down hill ; when it is short, so as to pre- 

 vent the front part of the vehicle coming forward on the horse, 

 which might have a dangerous result. If a kicking strap is 

 also worn, then the breeching must be longer ; the strap should 

 be sufficiently loose to permit the horse to trot without chafing 

 his back, and it ought to be fastened to the shaft so that it lies 

 two inches beyond the hip bones. 



The crupper keeps the pad in its proper place, and is also 

 necessary if a kicking strap is worn. Many horses, however, 

 never like it, and often protest against its use by kicking. The 

 part which passes beneath the tail should be smooth, and be 

 kept very clean ; it ought to be thick, linseed being recom- 

 mended to stuff it with. The crupper is put on before the pad 

 is put in its place, and great care should be taken to keep all 

 hairs from between it and the under surface of the tail. 



The bridle does not call for much notice. As " the instru- 

 ment for guiding, restraining, and stopping a horse," it consists 

 of the headstall and bit, with generally blinkers attached to 

 the former, and very frequently what is called a "bearing-rein." 

 The most important part of the bridle is the " bit," which, 

 whatever may be its shape or dimensions, should act in such a 

 way as to control the horse with little effort to the driver, and 

 without irritating and paining the animal. It is very often the 

 J 



