416 ROPE AND HARNESS WORK 



422. The Collar. Pay especial attention to the collar, as 

 it must bear the load . Test the fittings of the collar by press- 

 ing it back against the shoulder when the horse is holding its 

 head in working position. The collar should have an even con- 

 tact against all parts of the shoulder and have ample space at 

 the wind pipe for the place of one's hand. Collars often need 

 to be readjusted after the animal has been worked a while in 

 the spring, due to its losing flesh. Adjust breast collar to a 

 height where it will neither hinder movement nor interfere 

 with breathing. 



423. Hames. After the collar is adjusted, adjust the 

 hames at the top to fit the collar and then buckle or tie as 

 tightly as possible at the bottom. 



424. Other Adjustments. All other parts of the har- 

 ness should be adjusted to make them fit snugly, neither too 

 tight nor too loose. Adjust the breeching the proper height. 

 Fit the saddle to the back at the low place just back of the 

 withers. Adjust the crupper strap, back straps, hip straps, 

 holding back straps and traces to proper length in the order 

 mentioned. 



Note: Avoid accidents in hitching the team to implement 

 or vehicle by taking down the lines and adjusting them first. 



