162 ILLUSTRATED HORSE-BREAKING. 



action to that described in Pratt's book, although 

 differing from it in its construction. Pratt used to 

 employ a rope which was looped round the neck 

 and passed through the mouth, for pulling round 

 the head. He also had a single rope to form 

 both surcingle and crupper. The chief objection 

 to Pratt's method, as far as I can see, was, that 

 the ropes passing through the mouth and under 

 the tail were apt to hurt those parts. 



The employment of the tail-rope is an im- 

 provement which I have devised, and. which I have 

 found most useful. As the surcingle has to be 

 girthed up tight, I like to use a felt saddle-cloth, 

 or numdah, under it, to prevent it slipping for- 

 ward ; in which case, it might squeeze the withers, 

 or the crupper might rub the root of the tail. 



In order to make a horse " give in " to the 

 required degree, after he submits to lie down 

 readily with one leg tied up, I like to continue 

 the process with both fore-legs free, until he goes 

 down without any trouble. 



