12 BACK CHAIN. 



to split as a wood one. The clog should weigh from two to 

 three pounds ; and if required for a very long shank, it- should 

 be at least a pound heavier. The proper length of the head collar 

 shank, available for the animal's use, can be determined by 

 the following very simple rule : — bring the chin of the horse 

 to the top edge of the manger; pass the loose end of the 

 head collar shank through the ring, or over and behind the 

 roUer fixed at the bottom of the manger ; hold the head of the 

 animal firmly, and let the whole length of the shank pass down- 

 wards; and that part of the loose end which lies upon the 

 ground (if any) is more of the shank than is required : all 

 additional length, (or length not upon the stretch when the 

 chin of the horse rests upon the manger,) is dangerous. It is 

 obvious that when the animal is laid down, and the head flat 

 upon the straw, the clog will be drawn close to the roUer, and 

 that when the animal stands up the head may be moved up- 

 wards and downwards and laterally with the greatest freedom. 

 All length of collar shank, we may again observe, in addition to 

 the length stated, is unnecessary, and may be the cause of 

 mischief from becoming entangled amongst the Hmbs. 



Sach Oham. — The Eack Chain should be eighteen or twenty 

 inches in length. One end of the chain hangs loose, while the 

 other is made secure to the wood work a little below the bottom 

 of the hay rack. The loose end of this chain should terminate 

 Fig. 3. ^ jjg shown in the annexed 



engraving. It is a com- 

 mon practice to have a 

 hook in place of the end 

 as represented ; but a 

 hook is dangerous, espe- 

 cially to young horses. 

 I have known common hooks to tear the lips and the eyelids' 



