290 Our Noblest Friend, The Horse 



the position of these fingers must be carefully regu- 

 lated by taking up or letting out the straps (or 

 chain) at bottom and top of hames, according to the 

 shape of the shoulder, and to whether the animal is 

 naturally low or high headed. If low-headed, and 

 not checked, the neck will almost surely chafe at the 

 points of the shoulders, and such subjects need 

 checking for their own welfare, the S. P. C. A. to 

 the contrary. It will be found by those who care 

 to investigate that the majority of animals showing 

 raw places on the lower part of the shoulder are 

 thus formed, and not properly safeguarded by ac- 

 curate fitting collars, properly placed drafts, and 

 more or less tight check-reins. 



If the breast collar is worn, it should hang well 

 clear of the windpipe, yet not so loose that it works 

 below the shoulder points. It should be broad and 

 softly padded where it crosses the breast, and kept 

 soft and pliant. 



The bridle should fit accurately at every point, 

 and be long enough to allow the bit to hang in place, 

 and not to wrinkle the edges of the month ; while 



