244 HORSE AND MAN. 



CHAPTEE XIV. 



The BLrNKER and its supposed uses — Cropping of ears — Alleged necessity 

 for cropping — Contradictory temperament of the horse — Courage and 

 timidity — Inquisitiveness — Rarey's principle — The kettle-drummer's 

 horse — Mr. C. H. Tamplin's experience — Obstinacy of a coachman — 

 Value of the ' master's eye ' — Waterton at Walton Hall — Letter 

 from 'C. F. W.' to the Field newspaper — 'Jockeying' adviser — 

 Modified blinkers — Eye of the horse — Cruel superstitions — The third 

 eyelid, or ' nictitating membrane ' and its use — The groom's rashness 

 and its effects. 



We have not quite finished with the horse's head. 



Attached to the head harness of horses used for 

 driving are almost invariably a pair of leather flaps 

 called blinkers, which cover the eyes, and prevent 

 the animal from seeing objects behind or on either 

 side of him. 



For riding purposes, blinkers are never used, or 

 at all events so seldom, that if a ridden horse were 

 to be seen with them, considerable astonishment 

 would be excited, and in all probability the horse 

 and its rider would have to endure no small amount 

 of derision. In America these appliances are called 

 blinders. 



