TABLE OF CONTENTS. xiii 



inclined The shoulder-blade of the horse is fixed near its 

 centre, but movable at both ends The trace-hook should be 

 attached opposite to this fixed point, and act at right-angles 

 to the collar-bone This is the proper angle of traction, and 

 the line of the trace will then coincide nearly with the line of 

 - propulsion of the hind legs Both the collar and the names 

 must be adjusted so as to secure this angle of traction A 

 neglect of this the most frequent cause of sore necks, &c. The 

 length of the trace should be suited to the nature of the work 

 Short traces are handier for town work, but punish the 

 horses unnecessarily There is no real mechanical advantage 

 in a short trace, often the contrary The same applies to the 

 pole and pole-chains or straps Horses will work easier and 

 suffer less if not harnessed too short Those used occasionally 

 under the saddle should never be trussed up between short 

 traces and a short pole or shafts High wheels are an advantage, 

 but only within certain limits, which depend on the height of 

 the horse's shoulder The horizontal pull is the most favourable 

 under the exceptions stated, and where the surface of the road 

 is perfectly level ; but an upward pull is more advantageous 

 where obstacles such as stones or ruts are to be surmounted 

 The centre of gravity of a loaded two-wheeled vehicle should 

 be placed over the axle-tree ; with four-wheeled ones, nearer 

 to the larger pair of wheels in proportion to the difference 

 of size 212-242 



CHAPTER III. 



TRAINING FOR DRAUGHT. 



Should be undertaken gradually First accustom your horses to 

 the harness, then to the carriage Take care that the harness 

 fits well, is strong, and that there is nothing to frighten the 

 horse either in itself or the carriage Fehrmann's Horse-saver, 

 its use for training young horses to draught and for general 

 purposes Pay especial attention to the bitting See that there 

 is nothing in this to prevent the horse going ahead kindly 

 Never attempt breaking into harness without one or two 

 assistants If necessary, begin with a cavesson, and take 



