140 THE ART OF TAMINQ HORSES. 



the chapter on training colts, which is a halter, a bridle, 

 and a gag combined. 



Bridle reins should be soft, yet tough ; so long, and 

 no longer, so that by extending your arms you can 

 shorten them to any desired length; then, if your 

 horse pokes out his head, or extends himself in leap- 

 ing, you can, if you hold the reins in each hand, as 

 you ought, let them slip through your fingers, and 

 shorten them in an instant by extending your arms. 

 A very good sportsman of my acquaintance has tabs 

 sewn on the curb-reins, which prevents them from 

 slipping. This is a useful plan for ladies who ride or 

 drive ; but, as before observed, in hunting the snaffle- 

 reins should slip through the fingers. 



Some horses require martingales to keep their heads 

 down, and in the right place. But imperfect horsemen 

 are not to be trusted with running martingales. Run- 

 ning martingales require tabs on the reins, to prevent 

 the rings getting fixed close to the mouth. 



For hacks and ladies' horses on the road, a standing 

 martingale, buckled to the nose-band of the bridle, is 

 the best. It should be fixed, as Mr. Earey directs, not 

 so short as to bring the horse's head exactly where you 

 want it your hands must do that but just short 

 enough to keep his nose down, and prevent him from 

 flinging his poll into your teeth. If his neck is rightly 

 shaped, he will by degrees lower his head, and get into 

 the habit of so arching his neck that the martingale 

 may be dispensed with-; this is very desirable, because 

 you cannot leap with a standing martingale, and a 

 running one requires the hands of a steeplechase 

 jock. 



The saddle of a gentleman should be large enough. 

 In racing, a few pounds are of consequence; but in 



