MARTINGALES. 159 



The question whether severely plain gear, or fancy and 

 ornamental trappings, best become the horse, does not 

 concern us here, so long as none of the rules of horse- 

 manship are violated. A neatly coloured brow-band 

 can hardly be out of place. Personally, I like horses 

 and their appointments to look as if they were intended 

 for work rather than show. I cannot see the use or 

 beauty of round reins, ornamentally curved cheek- 

 pieces, noseband fringes, and suchlike articles of bridle 

 millinery. 



A rimnmg martingale that makes the pull of the reins 

 to be about on a level with the top of the withers, will 

 generally be an assistance to the rider, who is forced 

 by her position to hold her hands higher than they 

 ought to be, were she riding a la chevalier, unless, 

 indeed, the horse carries his head too low. 



If the horse makes a practice of stargazing or chuck- 

 ing up his head, a standing martingale may be used 

 with advantage (see page 234). Some horses will re- 

 quire a breastplate to prevent the saddle working back. 



The side saddle should be placed yxst clear of the "play " 

 of the horse's shoulderblades, and should be girthed up 

 one or two holes tighter than would be necessary for a 

 man's saddle, as a lady, however straight she may hold 



