402 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES 



as these serve to keep out the water. While these hous- 

 ings are rather expensive, they will prove economical for 

 the working horse during the winter season because of 

 the protection given the neck and shoulders. 



Breast harness. — For light driving, the breast harness 

 is preferred to the collar. It is lighter and cooler and 

 when properly adjusted does not interfere with the action 

 so much as collar harness. In fitting breast harness care 



FIG. 176.— HEAVY WORK HARNESS 



must be exercised in adjusting the neck strap, for if too 

 long, the harness will drop and interfere with the action 

 of the fore legs, or if too short, the harness will be drawn 

 up and choke the animal, particularly in ascending a 

 grade. 



Crupper and back strap. — To meet the needs of the 

 horse a. variety of types of cruppers have been devised, 

 some of which are very large, for preventing a horse from 

 dropping his tail down on the lines and for improving 

 the general appearance. The medium-sized crupper, free 

 from folds, is recommended. In fitting the crupper extra 

 care must be exercised in adjusting the check rein and 

 back strap, for if either are too short the crupper will be 



