THE USE OF THE BRIDLE. 43 



rein, which should be made to unbuckle, through its 

 rings. Your curb, I repeat, contrary to the usual 

 practice, and not your snaffle. I will soon explain 

 why. 



The horse has so docile a nature, that he would 

 always rather do right than wrong, if he can only be 

 taught to distinguish one from the other ; therefore, 

 have all your restrictive power on the same engine. 

 Directly he gives to your hand, by affording him more 

 liberty you show him that he has met your wishes, and 

 done what you asked. If you put the martingale on 

 your bridoon rein you can no longer indicate approval. 

 To avoid its control he must lean on the discomfort of 

 his curb, and it puzzles no less than it discourages him, 

 to find that every effort to please you is met, one way 

 or the other, by restraint. So much for his conveni- 

 ence ; now for your own. I will suppose you are using 

 the common hunting martingale, attached to the breast- 

 plate of your saddle, not to its girths. Be careful that 

 the rings are too small to slip over those of the curb- 

 bit ; you will be in an awkward predicament if, after 

 rising at a fence, your horse in the moment that he 

 tries to extend himself finds his nose tied down to his 

 knees. 



Neither must you shorten it too much at first ; 



