i8 



RACING, 



that the English method of keeping and managing their horses 

 vvas thought so judicious that France and other neighbouring 

 countries imitated and copied it. 



The reign of Charles I. was embroiled and distracted by 

 scenes which prevented his attending to those arts and improve- 

 ments which are the offspring of peace, and which must -be 

 nursed by leisure and tranquillity. This King was nevertheless 

 very fond of the manege^ and, according to the testimony of 

 historians, a very judicious and accomplished horseman. As 

 an instance of his attention to the art of riding, considered in 

 a national and public light, he issued a proclamation in the 

 third year of his reign, enjoining the use of bits instead of 

 snaffles, which were used in the army at that time. 



This proclamation sets forth that His Majesty, finding by ex- 

 perience that such horses as were employed in the service are 

 more apt and fit to be managed, by such as shall ride them, by 

 being accustomed to the bit than the snaffle ; he therefore strictly 

 charges and commands that no person (other than such only as 

 His Majesty in respect of their attendance on his Royal person, in 

 times of disport or otherwise, shall license hereunto) shall in riding 

 use any snaffles but bits. 



Bits for troops : snaffles for disport. 



This was a judicious regulation, for bits are more becoming 

 and better suited to the troops, as snaffles are in general fitter 



