206 HORSE AND MAN. 



lightest snaffle may be transformed into an instrument 

 of torture. In America it receives the more appro- 

 priate title of the ' check rein.' 



Originally, there is no doubt that the bearing- 

 rein was intended for purposes of show, so as to hold 

 up the horse's head, and give him an appearance of 

 being a horse of spirit. 



The custom is of very great antiquity, as is shown 

 by the ancient Egyptian monuments. There we see 

 Pharaoh represented as standing in his chariot of 

 state, guiding his armies to conquest, and receiving 

 the homage and tribute of the vanquished. The 

 horses are fitted with driving-reins and bearing-reins, 

 the latter being hooked to the saddle exactly like 

 ours of the present day. 



The sculptor has hit off with curious fidelity the 

 peculiar action of a horse thus trammelled, and 

 marked strongly the distinction between the harnessed 

 horses of state and those which are ridden by the 

 combatants and have their necks free. 



Two kinds of bearing-reins are employed in this 

 country, and a third is largely used in America. 



First we have the ordinary bearing-reins, which 

 are fastened to the cheeks of the bit, then pass 

 through a couple of drop-rings, one on each side of 

 the head, and are finally hitched over a hook or peg 

 which is fastened to the saddle. There is just one 



