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CHAPTER XXVI. 



A BUDGET OF "TIPS." 



Mouths and Mouth-pieces. — The shape, delicacy, or 

 toughness of a horse's tongue does not in the least con- 

 tribute towards making his mouth either tender or harsh; 

 but a difficulty is thrown in the way of bitting when the 

 tongue is broad in form, because in such case it covers the 

 bars of the mouth, and so prevents the mouth-piece from 

 acting properly upon them. The tongue is endowed with 

 immense susceptibility to pain or pressure, and any undue 

 compression of it causes intense suffering and fretting, and 

 entirely obviates the action of the bridle. I consider that 

 rollers, olives, twists, and all such devices, are not only 

 useless encumbrances, but are instruments of destruction 

 as well. The severity or mildness of a mouth-piece is 

 regulated by the thickness of that portion of the cannons 

 which acts upon the bars of the mouth. The curb-chain 

 ought to sit exactly on the beard, or chin, of the horse. If 

 he is tender-mouthed, it should be left very slack. 



Country Riding-Suits for Men. — If you want to ride 

 in luxury in the country, get measured for a knickerbocker 

 garment, with continuations in the form of breeches, fitting 



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