PUTTING ON THE HAKNESS. 115 



is actually to be put to, it may be exchanged for 

 one of the proper dimensions. By this means 

 a colt will not become alarmed, for the large 

 collar slipping easily over his head, he becomes 

 used to the action by the time he is required to 

 don his own. The pad, crupper, and breeching 

 must now be placed on his back, the tail ele- 

 vated, and the crupper (with a buckle on its 

 side) shpped under it, care being taken that no 

 hairs are enclosed by it ; then the crupper is 

 buckled up, the pad adjusted, and the girth 

 drawn up. It is as well on the first day of har- 

 nessing the colt to omit putting on the hames 

 and traces, for they would only knock about 

 and alarm him, but if you decide on putting 

 them on, the traces must be drawn out hori- 

 zontally and firmly attached to the breeching 

 by means of straps or cording. It is good 

 practice to connect the collar at the withers 

 loosely with the pad by means of a strap, to 

 prevent the collar from slipping forward to the 

 ears when the animal's head is lowered. A 

 common riding bridle should then be placed on 



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