HARNESSING THE HORSE 403 



drawn tightly against the tail. The under part of the 

 tail being very tender, this is likely to cause soreness and 

 thus lessen the reliability of the horse, as the horse with 

 a sore tail is often difficult to control, particularly when 

 he gets his tail over the line. On the other hand, if the 

 back strap is too long and the crupper too loose it may 

 result in the harness sliding to one side. 



Saddle and back band. — The importance of the saddle 

 and back band depends on the arrangement of the breech- 

 ing and holdbacks. If the holdbacks are so arranged that 

 in backing pressure is brought upon the saddle, it is im- 

 portant that it be properly fitted. Often this is neglected 

 and a sore back results. With the saddle in its proper 

 place on the back there is little or no danger that the 

 horse's back will become sore or abraded, particularly if 

 the parts are kept smooth and clean. If there is extra 

 pressure on the saddle, as is often the case when hitched 

 to single rigs, saddle pads should be used. 



Breeching and holdbacks.^ Where there is much back- 

 ing to be done, or in sections of the country that are hilly 

 or mountainous, the breeching and holdbacks assume 

 much importance. While there are a variety of types of 

 holdbacks on the market, they can be divided into four 

 general classes : Breeching and shaft holdbacks, yoke 

 and collar holdbacks, breeching and belly martingale 

 holdbacks, and Boston holdbacks. These holdbacks may 

 be attached in a variety of ways. The breeching is com- 

 monly employed with each except the yoke and collar 

 holdback. The saddle may be discarded in the breech- 

 ing and belly martingale holdback as well as in the Bos- 

 ton, in which case crotch back straps and hip straps are 

 usually employed. 



The breeching and shaft holdback is used only with 

 single rigs and the breeching is attached directly to the 

 shaft by means of holdback straps. The holdback straps 

 must be properly adjusted. If too short, they draw the 

 horse forward, and interfere with his action, whereas if 



