44 HORSEMANSHIP. 



different horses that it would be useless to write, except 

 in general terms, concerning the best methods of cor- 

 recting the infirmities of temper and tricks to which they 

 are liable. 



Boring. — Some horses carry their heads too low down, 

 generally from the effect of the continued use of the 

 curb or Pelham (see page 201), while others bore to one 

 side. With the former, the ordinary or gag snaffle 

 (see page 241) may be tried, or the cheekpieces of the 

 headstall may be taken up (see page 235). With the 

 latter, the ring snaffle (see page 192) may be used ; or 

 the ring of the ordinary snaffle on the side opposite to 

 which the horse bores, may be connected with the 

 throat latch by a strap, so that the mouthpiece may 

 bear on the gum (see page 234). A circle of stiff leather, 

 about 4 inches in diameter, as used by many Hansom 

 cabmen in London, may be placed on the mouthpiece 

 of the ring snaffle on the side to which the animal bores, 

 so that his head may be kept straight by the pressure 

 afforded by the broad leather surface on the side of the 

 mouth. Short tacks are sometimes fixed in the leather 

 circle, so as to hurt the horse's cheek in the event of his 

 boring to his favourite side. A noseband (see page 216) 

 may be employed. 



