SADDLE AND BRIDLE 



straight. If it is found necessary to use one on 

 a double bridle, it should be placed on the curb 

 reins with a loose curb chain, but the rings on 

 the martingale must be smaller than the rings 

 on the bit. 



Standing martingales attached either to the 

 noseband or the rings of the snaffle, teach some 

 horses to bend their necks, but many horses 

 pull upwards against them, and opinions differ 

 as to their utility. 



Nosebands, fairly broad and flat, improve 

 the appearance of some horses and increase the 

 power of the bit by keeping the mouth closed 

 and bringing pressure to bear on the nose. At 

 the same time a noseband will make many 

 horses pull, by confining their mouths un- 

 pleasantly. There is nothing more refreshing 

 at times than a good yawn, and it is irritating 

 to feel one cannot indulge in the luxury, so 

 unless a horse really wants a noseband, it is 

 better not to hunt or hack him in one. It is 

 for the rider not to pull the mouth wider open 

 than he likes to see it ; he must yield the hand, 

 and then take another gentle pull. Of course, 

 badly trained horses and bolters require special 

 tackle, and with these a noseband may be 

 found of great assistance. 



Saddle and Girths. — The saddle should be 

 19 c 2 



