HARNESS 109 



head in the position natural to him. But when you are 

 going up a long hill, do not fail to get out and uncheck 

 him. 



Secondly, a check Is often an assistance to the driver 

 in preventing a horse from running away or getting out 

 of control. Many a young, spirited horse can safely 

 be driven with a plain, snaffle bit and an overdraw 

 check, or perhaps even a side check, whereas, without a 

 check, he would not be safe to drive, especially when 

 he first comes out of the stable. In some of these cases 

 a curb bit would answer the same purpose, but most 

 good horsemen would prefer to drive a horse with a 

 snaffle bit and a check rein, rather than with a curb 

 bit. The greatest pleasure in driving is the give and 

 take between man and horse. A sympathetic driver, 

 with a light hand, can play upon the bit and the horse 

 will respond to it. It is a kind of silent conversation 

 between horse and man. But this cannot be accom- 

 plished with a curb bit. 



Thirdly, a check rein may be necessary to prevent a 

 lazy horse or an old one from becoming careless and 

 stumbling. If he actually stumbles, he is indeed worse 

 off with a check rein than without it, for the check rein 

 not only will be of no assistance to him in keeping his 

 feet, but will be a positive disadvantage^ The only use 

 of a check rein on such horses is to keep them a little 

 more alert and attentive to their business. 



Even the overdraw check is not uncomfortable for 

 young, spirited horses who are naturally high-headed, 

 provided that the check Is let down when they stand 

 still and that their heads are not kept checked up for 



