284 Our Noblest Friend, The Horse 



it back, the centre over the backbone, until the bind- 

 ing is about six inches above the root of the tail; 

 or, as some horses are longer than others, until the 

 breast part is fully a foot clear of the brisket. This 

 leaves ample freedom at shoulder and windpipe, 

 and the animal can lie down and get up, feed, 

 etc., without any uncomfortable binding sensations 

 across the chest. Now put on the surcingle, well 

 back of the withers, and draw only so tightly 

 that the whole hand can easily pass between 

 it and the ribs, or about two holes looser than 

 usually drawn. This should always be thickly 

 padded, or a folded rub-cloth, or even a double hand- 

 ful of straw, put under it upon the backbone, to 

 ensure more or less '* give." One strap is as good 

 as two, and if the horse is light-waisted, a breast- 

 plate around the chest will keep the surcingle in 

 place better and more properly than any tight girth- 

 ing. Many horses are so drawn up by their care- 

 takers ( ?) that they will not lie down, as the 

 tightening of the muscles causes acute pain. Ex- 

 cellent blankets are made nowadays — and none are 



