280 



RIDING VICIOUS HORSES. 



and slightly curved (Fig. 210). The bit, when put into the 

 mouth (Fig. 211), rests on the lower end of the plate, and 

 the upper end will then prevent the animal from getting 

 his tongue over the mouth-piece. 



Fig. 211. Position of Snaffle on Tongue Plate in Horse's Mouth. 



SHYING AND UNSTEADINESS. 



A horseman ought to be above minding small eccentricities 

 of manner in his mount, and should take in good part a 

 playful shy or kick, a slight rear or a light-hearted bound 

 or two, although he should never tolerate direct opposition 

 to his wishes. When horses are " fresh," especially when 

 they have just come out of a warm stable into the cold 

 morning air, they will dance about, and lark on little or 



