314 THE HORSE 



given conditions. Horses of light weight are at a great 

 disadvantage when used for heavy loads, especially on 

 an ascending road and on slippery pavements; while 

 horses of heavy weight are at a disadvantage if used 

 at light work, or for harrowing on soft ground. In the 

 former instance, there is not enough weight to secure 

 adequate traction adhesive friction, in the latter, 

 there is unnecessary traction due to unnecessary weight 

 of team, for the work to be accomplished; hence the 

 most economical expenditure of energy is not secured. 



DRIVING-, FARM- AND DRAFT -HORSES 



Of necessity these horses are driven slowly; hence 

 full opportunity is given for avoiding obstructions 

 without sharp and quick attention to the reins. Little 

 or no display is required of the farm -horse; hence 

 his check -rein may be loose, the driving reins fairly 

 slack, and all his gear and movements arranged to 

 perform service with the least possible expenditure of 

 energy. This does not imply carelessness nor dis- 

 obedience on the part of the horse. It does imply less 

 guidance by rein, and more by words than would be 

 suitable for a roadster. However, it keeps the draft - 

 and farm -horse up to their highest standard of 

 efficiency, if occasionally, when they are not wearied, 

 they are driven rapidly with tight rein for a short- 

 distance; it does them good to stir them up now and 

 then. Such drives bring other muscles into play than 

 those used at slow, heavy work, enliven the team, 

 and in many ways are beneficial. 



