WHAT TO DRIVE. 89 



right. If it is, the shafts will stand out perfectly straight, 

 and the slightest touch will raise or lower them. The 

 next most important part of the turnout is the harness, 

 which should be stronger and with moie substance than 

 harness used for four-wheeled vehicles, the pad made 

 with strong girths, the tugs large enough to give the 

 shafts room to play, the back band made in one piece, 

 with one buckle on the near side, and care should be 

 taken Avhen putting too that the back hond is left loose. 

 If, as is generally the case, the back band is drawn 

 tight, there is no chance w^hatever for the cart to balance 

 itself; consequently, every time the horse steps the 

 shafts, being like a fixture, cause the cart to jolt. Breech- 

 ings need not be used in town, but I strongly recommend 

 their use for country work; but, w^hen the breeching is 

 dispensed with, a loin strap, or, as it is termed, kicking 

 strap should be used. It looks well and is much safer. 

 It is impossible to tell when a horse might start kick- 

 ing. I used a horse several years and he never made an 

 attempt to kick till one day going down a very steep 

 hill a flock of geese came out suddenly from a gate across 

 the road. I pulled up suddenly to avoid running over 

 them, when, having no breeching on, the sudden jerk 

 threw the weight of the cart against the tugs, therefore 

 pulling on the crupper to such an extent as to cause the 

 horse pain, and he, not liking such treatment, kicked. 



