TRAINING FOE DRAUGHT. 261 



then had to sharper bitting, which although sometimes 

 successful is much more frequently the reverse and 

 very often leads to fresh complications; whereas a 

 judicious use of the bearing-rein would solve the diffi- 

 culty at once. 



Why the bearing-rein should have such an effect 

 will be easily recognised by anyone who will take the 

 trouble and has the opportunity of observing how 

 horses when left to themselves modify their carriage, 

 especially that of the head and neck, to suit the speed 

 and changes of direction of their movements. If a 

 tolerably fresh horse be turned loose in a field, espe- 

 cially one in which other strange horses are present, it 

 will be seen, in most instances, after a few cautious 

 movements with the neck erect and its weight thrown 

 well back on its haunches, in the attitude of prepara- 

 tion for any emergency, suddenly to bolt off with the 

 head and neck brought down more and more as it ex- 

 tends itself and increases its pace, whilst reconnoitring 

 the ground and its new companions in a wide circle 

 round them. And this is precisely what a frightened 

 horse will do in harness unless checked by the bearing- 

 rein, which if of a proper length will prevent the 

 animal from laying itself out with extended head and 

 neck and throwing all its weight on the fore legs, 

 which of course leaves the hind pair their maximum 

 power of propulsion. 



Of course, if teams have to travel at the top of their 

 speed, as in the old coaching-days for instance, the 

 bearing-reins must be slackened or cast loose altogether, 

 as we have often seen done by the nimble guard in 

 days long past. 



In like manner as the spontaneous movements and 



