HEAD-TOSSING AND FOAM-FLINGING. 217 



martingale, so that the head could neither be moved 

 up nor down. 



This, of course, was an extreme case, and there- 

 fore was selected by Mr. Flower as a ' shocking ex- 

 ample.' 



But even in those instances where the martingale 

 is not used, the torture is extreme, as is shown by 

 the action of the horses. Coachmen and grooms, 

 who are essentially possessors of the professional eye, 

 have a rooted idea that it is very grand to have 

 their horses tossing their heads and flinging foam 

 about. 



They really think that the head-tossing and foam- 

 flinging are marks of pride and spirit, whereas they 

 denote pain, and vain attempts at alleviation. The 

 horse finds that although he cannot stoop his head 

 forwards without a severe jerk to his mouth, he can 

 for a moment relax the pressure by throwing his 

 head upwards. As to the foam, it is caused by the 

 pressure of the severe bit. No one ever saw a horse, 

 however spirited, or however high bred it may be, 

 toss its head and fling foam except when it is tortured 

 by the bit and bearing-rein. 



Even if he were blind, a person who takes an 

 interest in this subject can tell by his ears alone 

 whether horses are wearing a severe bearing-rein. 

 The peculiar rattling of the head-harness, which 



