the horse. A special case recently came under the 

 writer's notice where the necessity for applying the bearing 

 rein to a valuable 1 6 hands steed presented itself, and was 

 ultimately adopted. The animal being fresh had taken to 

 amuse itself, after a spin of a few miles, by throwing its 

 head almost between its forelegs whilst going at a 

 swinging trot, or, as some folks would term it, a rattling 

 pace, and at times would vary the performance by 

 the corresponding extreme in the air, constantly pulling 

 in a tremendous and excitable manner, thus shewing the 

 necessity for both bearing rein and martingale, whilst the 

 driver tried by all means in his power in calling the horse 

 by name, coaxing, shouting, and touching him up with the 

 whip, thereby causing a considerable amount of swerving, 

 but all to no purpose. The risk of upsetting became more 

 and more apparent, and would most certainly and 

 perhaps with fearful consequences have come about, had 

 the horse trodden upon a stone, or made a false step ; at 

 last the writer's suggestion was adopted, and some string 

 was attached to act as a bearing rein, and carried from the 

 back of the nose-band, through the bottom hame-strap to 

 the belly-band. The result shewed itself in a few minutes 

 (after first leading the horse, and then quietly mounting the 

 vehicle) to the evident pleasure and comfort of all con- 

 cerned ; and the owner of the horse has said many times 

 since that he has not, and never shall, go out with a spirited 

 animal unless a bearing rein is either on the harness or 

 ready for use in the vehicle. At the same time in fixing 

 the "check" up to the hook of the saddle, care and 

 judgment is necessary. The horse should have easy 

 liberty in standing, and in going up hill, which can be 

 regulated by the buckle on the near side ; and it should 

 be remembered that the bearing rein acts upon the crupper 

 dock, and is not intended for compressing the animal's 

 head to its tail. If the horse be a hard puller and 



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