74 INUTILITY OF CHECK-REINS. 



the hand, especially in rain, when they become 

 wet. 



An extra rein, called a " check-rein," (be- 

 cause it is buckled to the bottom of the check 

 of the curb-bit, in order to operate with more 

 power in case of need), is generally hung over 

 the " dashing-iron" or " foot-board." This 

 check-rein, from its ill-contrived position, can- 

 not be extricated and made use of in any case 

 of sudden accident ; therefore no driver should 

 venture, with the insufficient power of the reins 

 he drives with, being buckled high up on the 

 bit, because a delusive " check-rein " hangs 

 over the " dashing-iron" at his feet. A horse 

 may run away ungovernably, while the driver 

 is precariously catching at the check-rein, 

 which he cannot obtain.* 



Collars and Harness. Collars must be made 

 to fit in the part nature seems to have pre- 

 scribed, which is the thick bottom of the neck, 



* Notwithstanding the various and very ingenious sorts of 

 bits that have been used, from the severe Turkish roller-hinge 

 curb-bit to the cart-horse-bit, none are so effectual as a curb- 

 bit with a straight, smooth, thick mouth-piece, which cuts 

 neither the tongue, gums, nor jaw, yet allows the horse to ex- 

 ercise no discretion, but only obedience, to relieve himself. 



