INTRODUCTION. XVll 



be double that length. As the curb- 

 chain is fastened to the lower part of 

 the eyes of the cheek-pieces, two and a 

 half inches will be found to be about 

 the length of those arms, and the 

 branches will then be five inches long. 



When the bits have been fitted, and 

 the horse has become accustomed to 

 them, they should not be shifted. 



There is little to be said in favour of 

 martingales. The martingale tends to 

 keep the snaffle in place upon a young 

 or a tender-mouthed horse, who throws 

 up his head to a heavy hand ; but its 

 intervention denies that delicate tension 

 on the mouth that we are seeking ; 

 and it will not cure, although it may 

 restrain, the habit that seems to 



demand its use. The standing martin- 



b 



