THE CARE OF HORSES 215 



the mouth just back of the tushes. Bhnds are used by 

 some persons, and some horses handle better with these on 

 the harness than without them. A bridle without blinds is 

 known as an "open bridle." The checkrein extends from 

 the bits to the top of the saddle by way of the poll or through 

 loops attached to the upper parts each side of the bridle. 

 The checkrein is intended to assist the horse in holding up 

 his head and neck in an easy, graceful manner, to keep him 

 under restraint so he will not attempt to eat when at work, 

 or move the head and neck about so as to disarrange the 

 harness. A too tight check is punishment for the horse. 



The breast harness consists of a flat strap which extends 

 down over each side of the neck just in front of the withers, 

 the ends supporting a breast piece, which connects with the 

 tugs by means of which a Ught vehicle is pulled. The breast 

 harness should be carefully adjusted, so that the breast 

 piece will puU neither too high nor too low against the breast, 

 interfering with free action of limbs or breathing. 



The collar used in heavy work harnesses, in place of the 

 breast harness, varies in the material. It should consist of a 

 frame of leather or other material, shaped to fit the neck 

 and shoulders. Most collars have sweat pads on top and 

 sides, so that with work the neck and shoulders will not be- 

 come sore. The exterior of the collar has a groove, in which 

 fits a pair of hames. At the lower part of each hame is 

 attaTched one end of the heavy tug of leather or other material, 

 the other end of which is hooked to the vehicle or implement 

 to be hauled. Much care must be used in the fit of collar. 

 It should not chafe or bruise the skin or make the rougher 

 parts of the shoulder or joint sore. The tugs should be so 

 adjusted that when a load is drawn the animal's wind will 

 not be shut off and the weight of the load will be properly 

 distributed over the collar. Each horse should have his own 

 collar, and care be taken to see that it fits the neck right. 

 A new collar requires some time for adjustment. 



