Frank Miller's harness soap and asphaltum paint can be obtained from the Ordnance Department.
Recent orders from the War Department forbid the use of any dressings other than those furnished by the Ordnance Department.
In the field there will not usually be much time or many materials available for cleaning harness. Rust should be cleaned off ironwork with sand, kerosene, etc., the ironwork being then oiled. Leather should be kept soft and pliable by having a small quantity of soft soap, if proper oil be not on hand, worked into it, mud and sweat being first removed with as little water as possible.
The blanket must be kept clean, and folded to lie perfectly smooth on the horse's back. Inspect the collar and see that its bearing surface is free from dirt, dried hair, etc., before putting it on the horse, and at every opportunity. The necessity for repairs will be reported immediately, and the repairs will be made by the saddler at the earliest practicable moment.
In garrison harness is wiped off after each drill, and is carefully cleaned once a weak. A good driver should clean his harness thoroughly in from 1 to 1½ hours, especially if provided with a trestle on which to spread it out. First remove all dust and dirt with a damp cloth, disconnecting all of the parts for that purpose. Then apply either soap or dressing with a sponge, wetting the sponge with water when using the soap.
Harness-pegs.—Harness-pegs for each pair are arranged in the walls of the harness-room or in the heel-posts of the stalls. There should be three pegs for each double set of harness, the upper one for the pole-yoke, with the martingales attached, the bridles, and collars; the next for the off harness, and the lower one for the near harness.
ARRANGEMENT OF HARNESS ON PEGS.
On the Upper Peg.—First, the pole-yoke, with the martingales attached, next to the post or wall; then the bridle and collar of the near horse; then the bridle and collar of the off horse, in the order named.
On the Middle Peg.—The off harness; the traces, which are detached, are hung over the peg close to the heel-post; the saddle, with its attachments over the seat, is placed on the peg.