SXAFFLING. 323 



After thus bringing the horse to submit to his master, he is 

 ready to be tied up for snaffling ; and when this is done, he 

 may be properly gaited. 



V SNAFFLING. 



This, as before remarked, is the art of instructing the horse 

 in the use of the bridle-bit, to suit the purpose for which he is 

 intended to be used. It has two leading objects. The first is 

 to accustom his mouth to the use of the bit, securing the 

 proper degree of tenderness, and giving him a knowledge of 

 the object of the different positions and motions of the rein. 

 The second is to give the neck and head the right position. 

 This practice, although almost entirely neglected, or unknown, 

 in the greater portion of the United States, is a very neces- 

 sary part of the horse's education. In Europe, a horse worth 

 three hundred dollars would not sell for two hundred and twen- 

 ty-five, if not snaffled and gaited. Indeed, so necessary is this 

 regarded there, that a great many men follow this branch of 

 training as a distinct avocation, and find it a lucrative employ- 

 ment. 



If a horse is intended for the carriage he must carry a high 

 head; the saddle-horse, not so high, lest the froth from his 

 mouth should soil the rider's clothes. The courser and hunter 

 must keep his head lower still, so that he may be able to see 

 where to place his feet. JN^ow, if all this is necessary, which 

 none will doubt, is it not well to know how to secure these 

 objects? 



For this purpose, it is necessary to procure a bridle with a 

 mouthing-bit. The mouth-piece should be, at least, from three- 

 fourths of an inch to an inch bar, also a surcingle. The back- 

 strap of a buggy-harness would do, but the turrets are too high 

 up. The turrets should be placed at the round of the ribs; 

 and to the surcingle a crupper must be attached. This sinii^le 

 rigging put on, if it is intended to prepare the horse for the 



