396 THE HORSE 



a high port, hanging loosely by itself. The object of it is to 

 provide the animal with something to play with, so that by 

 putting its tongue either through the high port, or over it, 

 the animal feels contented, and leaves the real bit alone. For 

 this purpose the bit should be hung very loic in the mouth, 

 only just above the tushes, with room above for the horse 

 to get its tongue between it and the real bit, which 

 being left alone acts as usual. Grooms are never satisfied 

 to adhere to these directions. They always think they know 

 better than the inventor, and so try to place the port as high 

 as possible, even into the animal's throat. And then they 

 say the invention is of no use, and that they knew from the 

 first it would never do ! 



Occasionally a horse, when being led at exercise, acquires 

 the trick of turning its head to the off-side, and making a 

 rush at the same time, when no man can possibly retain 

 control over the animal. The groom is forced to let go the 

 leading-rein, or be dragged out of the saddle. To prevent 

 the horse from putting this evil habit into execution, a 

 means must be found of hindering it from turning its head ; 

 and a simple way of doing this is to fix a side-rein on the 

 near-side, buckling it to the bit, and to the roller, the latter 

 having a special buckle for the purpose, sewn on about 

 half-way down. A man can hold a led-horse, so long as 

 its head is slightly bent towards him. 



Stirrups should always be broad in the sole-plate, giving a 

 good hold to the foot, and not tiring the rider. Then if the 

 heels of the boots are brought well forward, ending in a line 

 with the front of the leg, the top of the stirrup will always 

 be kept clear of the tendon at the bend of the foot and leg, 

 just above the upper spur-strap, which is otherwise apt to 

 get very sore when the feet are thrust well home. The 

 hoop of the stirrup should expand into a broad wing on each 

 side where it joins the foot-plate, which saves the side of 

 the foot from getting chafed. Stirrups must be wide enough 

 for the boot to enter easily, or there is a danger of getting 

 the foot jammed in the stirrup in the event of a fall. On 

 the other hand, they should not be too large for fear the 

 foot should shp right through and so get fixed, though 



