18 ANGLO-FRENCH HORSEMANSHIP 



pelham or snaffle, as a double bridle is apt to gag them, 

 the bridoon stretching the corners of the mouth to 

 make room for the bit. 



Martingales. — With a double bridle, if a horse is 

 properly bitted, and the rider eases his hand before 

 taking a pull, there is seldom need for these instru- 

 ments, but a running martingale adds considerably 

 to the effectiveness of a snaffle bridle, and helps to 

 keep young horses straight. If it is found necessary 

 to use one on a double bridle, it should be placed on the 

 curb reins with a loose curb chain, but the rings on 

 the martingale must be smaller than the rings on the 

 bit. 



Standing martingales attached either to the noseband 

 or the rings of the snaffle, teach some horses to bend 

 their necks, but many horses pull upwards against 

 them, and opinions differ as to their utility. 



Nosebands, fairly broad and flat, improve the 

 appearance of some horses and increase the power of 

 the bit by keeping the mouth closed and bringing 

 pressure to bear on the nose. At the same time a 

 noseband will make many horses pull, by confining 

 their mouths unpleasantly. There is nothing more 

 refreshing at times, than a good yawn, and it is irritating 

 to feel we cannot indulge in the luxury, so unless a 

 horse really wants a noseband, it is better not to hunt 

 or hack him in one. It is for the rider not to pull the 

 mouth wider open than he likes to see it ; he must 

 yield the hand, and then take another gentle pull. 

 Of course, badly trained horses and bolters require 

 special tackle, and with these a noseband may be found 

 of great assistance. 



Saddle and Girths. — The saddle should be the same 

 height in front and behind, should have a slight dip in 



