THE RUNNING MARTINGALE. 53 



good jockeys, that the head of the race-horse, with 

 whom a level style of galloping is one of the chief 

 essentials to success, should be kept down by' the 

 rider's hands, and not by the running martingale. 

 It is the custom, therefore, among jockeys, when 

 they use this gear, to lengthen it out, so that, when 

 it is drawn up, to test its length, its rings will come 

 up to the angle of the lower jaw, when the head is 

 held in a natural position a length which will 

 obviate any chance of there being a downward 

 pull on the reins. 



In the training of a race-horse that " star-gazes," 

 the use of a running martingale, in order to keep 

 his head down, besides interfering with his action, 

 is detrimental to the soundness of his Jegs and 

 feet, by reason of the extra weight thrown, thereby, 

 on his forehand. 



Respecting the injurious effects of hampering the 

 action of the neck muscles, and of putting a severe 

 downward pressure on the mouth, especially during 

 rapid motion, I may quote the following interesting 



