EXERCISING. 



461 



In cities when the horse is exercised on cold days an exercis- 

 ing blanket and sometimes a hood should be used, as fast work 

 cannot be given in the crowded thoroughfares. A horse is 

 better for exercise even on rainy days if properly cared for 

 when he comes in. 



When a pair are taken out under saddle the horse which 

 is led should be under the restraint of a side rein attached to 

 a surcingle on the off side and the bit of the bridle. (See Fig. 

 216.) This rein ought io be made of two straps buckled 



FIG. 216. 



together so that they may be adjusted to the required length. 

 The lead rein should be fastened to the bit on the off side, 

 and the loose end passed under the chin and through the 

 ring of the bit on the nigh side. The bits used should 

 always be single or double ringed snaffles, unless there is 

 some particular need for a severer form. All exercising 

 blankets should extend only to the shoulder, the ends being 

 held in place either by a breast-piece or straps made of 

 blanket cloth. (See Fig. 216.) The use of knee-boots 



