HARNESSING THE HORSE 4OI 



der. The pneumatic cbllar consists of a metal frame 

 lined with rubber, whicti is inflated similarly to an auto- 

 mobile tire. The bearing- surface of a metal collar is 

 shaped somewhat like that of a leather collar, and all the 

 parts are of metal. (Fig. 175.) 



While all kinds of claims ate made by the adherents of 

 these patent collars, the leather collar still holds first 

 place among horsemen generally. To meet the various 

 needs of the horse, leather collars are made in many 

 shapes, chief of which are full sweeny, half sweeny, kan- 

 garoo leather face, Irish or cloth face, common leather 

 face, and the like. 



Fitting the collar. — To avoid sore neck and sore shoul- 

 ders the collar should be properly adjusted. Leather 

 collars are so firm and stiff that it is difficult to adjust 

 them to the neck and shoulders. To overcome this dif- 

 ficulty take the poorly fitting collar, new or old, wrap it 

 round and round again with thoroughly wet sacking and 

 let it remain overnight. In the morning place it on the 

 horse, and with the hame straps adjust it snugly to the 

 shoulders and neck, then work the horse moderately 

 through the day. Soaking the collar in this way serves 

 to soften it and then it will adjust itself to every inequal- 

 ity of the shoulders and neck, so that the horse will sel- 

 dom be troubled with soreness. The shoulders of no 

 two horses are exactly alike, and each should have his 

 own collar. 



Sweat pads and housings. — A collar that will fit in the 

 early spring when the horse is fat may be too large later, 

 when he is worked down, so that it may be necessary to 

 use pads or get another collar. Sweat pads, . however, 

 are rather objectionable, as they are very warm and the 

 neck and shoulders can be kept in a more healthy condi- 

 tion without them. When the pads are used they should 

 be kept clean. 



Horses that work in the winter, or during the rainy 

 season, should have their necks protected by housings. 



