S2 T^IK HORSE* „ 



hand ai.d tugs are in good order ; as also the traces, 

 which take the splinter at the eyes, and at the 

 buckles. 



The reins are also of first-rate importance in the 

 trappings of the horse. Nothing can be more neces- 

 sary than to see that the tongues of the buckles be 

 well tied before they are used, as they not unfrequent- 

 ly give way even in new reins. Next in importance 

 to the reins is the brace, which holds the splinters to 

 the body of the chaise ; for if the brace should give 

 way, and let the splinter come against the hocks of 

 the horse, he is almost sure to kick and run away. 



The shafts, particularly if made of lancewood, 

 should occasionally be examined about the step, and 

 thence to the backward tug. 



BAITING. 



In travelling great distances, it will be better to ba it 

 about every ten miles; let the horse then have a few 

 mouthfuls of hay and as much water as he chooses ; 

 with a feed of corn and water at the end of every 

 twenty or thirty miles ; making the intermediate 

 distances as convenient as possible. The horse will 

 be rarely incapacitated, so long as he retains his 

 appetite ; and, if thus fed, he must be exceedingly 

 overworked (provided he has any pluck and be 

 properly driven) if he lose his appetite. 



There cannot be greater folly, or something worse, 

 than in boasting of having driven a horse fifty miles 

 a day witliout halting. To say nothing of the cruelty 

 of such usage, "what state must the horse be in the 

 next day ] How long can he endure such treatment % 

 And in what condition would he have been under a 

 course of discipline such as is here recommended 1 

 It would be well for the thoughtless to ponder these 

 questions. Others say that their horses will not feed 

 upon a journey ; if so. it is useless to take them out. 



