The martingale (_n_), of heavy leather with folded edges, is attached to the neck-yoke (_m_) by means of a cinch-strap sewed to a ring in its front end. It passes between the fore legs of the horse and through the loop on the cincha, and the D ring at its rear end should be near the middle of the horse's belly. Attached to the ring on either end of the breech-strap is a side-strap (_s"_) bearing a hook which hooks into the D ring at the rear end of the martingale. [Illustration: FIG. 69. _b′_, breech-strap; _s"_, side-straps; _n_, martingale; _m_, neck-yoke. ] The martingale and side-straps, being under the body of the horse and connected with the breeching and neck-yoke, the horse is not only held up, but uses his weight and strength to the best advantage when holding back. The breech-strap, hip-strap, side-straps, martingale, and breast-strap are omitted on lead-horses. The blanket is of wool, dyed scarlet. The dress saddle-cloth is of heavy cotton canvas, bright scarlet, bound with black leather. It is easily cleaned by scrubbing with soap and water. The leg-guard, whip, watering-bridle, surcingle, nose-bag, and when required lariat and picket-pin. Surcingles are of three sizes, viz.: No. 1, 76½ inches; No. 2, 84 inches; and No. 3, 96 inches. The collar now used is a hinged steel locking-collar. This steel collar, weighing about 15 pounds, consists essentially of two plates, pressed in U shape, hinged together at the top, and closed at the bottom by a spring latch. One side of the plate is fitted to the animal's shoulder; the other side carries the trace-hooks, under which are placed U-shaped plate-springs, which are held in place by the same bolts as are the trace-hooks. All parts of the collar and its fittings are put together with bolts, and can be quickly taken apart when necessary, the only tool needed being the wrench that accompanies each collar. The parts of the collar that rest on the neck and shoulders are galvanized, which prevents galling in warm or wet weather, and conduces to the healing of sores. The collar is opened by pressing a spring latch at the bottom, and is thus easily put on and taken off without forcing it over the horse's head. The collar being such an important part of the harness, directions for fitting it are given as indicated in the circular of the Steel Horse Collar Company, of Fitchburg, Mass. Collar-sides, pads, and connections are made in different sizes to suit the number of collar. All the other parts will fit any collar. [Illustration: DESCRIPTION OF PARTS OF COLLAR. FIG. 70. and the bolts for top connection, bottom of collar, extension, and trace-plate. ] The table of dimensions at the top of next page gives the largest size to which each number of collar can be adjusted. Each collar can be made 1½ inches shorter and 1¼ inches narrower than the dimensions given. Sizes 5 and 6 are used in the U. S. service.