278 POSTING CH. XIII 



The pole has, at its hind end, an eye which goes 

 on the main pole-head hook under the lead-bars, and 

 at its front end, a head, or crab, of the usual form, 

 with bars to which the leaders' traces are attached. 

 This pole should be much lighter than the main 

 pole, since there is no strain upon it, except the 

 direct pull, and the bars also should be somewhat 

 lighter, half the weight of the pole and all the 

 weight of the bars being supported by the necks 

 of the swing horses. 



An alternative similar arrangement consists of a 

 light chain covered with leather, or a rope, like that 

 on a cock horse harness (see Plate XXIV.), instead 

 of a pole, with lead-bars. It should be suspended 

 by a chain, or straps, from the collars of the swing- 

 pair, and the leaders when at rest must be kept 

 well forward to prevent the bars from hanging 

 down. It is also well to have a strap from one tug- 

 buckle of the swin^ horses to the other, on which 

 this chain may rest. 



The swing pole or chain and the bars may be 

 dispensed with altogether, by using for the leaders 

 lonof traces p-oino- to the tusf-buckles of the swingf- 



0000 o 



pair, as shown in Plate VI. 



Posting. — In posting, the near horse of a pair is 

 ridden by a postilion, who leads the off horse. * The 



* In a plate published by Edw. Orme, Bond St., London, 18 16, 

 entitled Paris Diligence, a postilion, on the near wheeler, is driving 

 three leaders. 



