t t 



(as is often the case) done on the sHding scale ; but the 

 horse should be consulted, and the walk is brought about 

 without the least jerk, strain, or effort. The same rule 

 applies to the canter, which is beautifully illustrated by 

 the hand gallop of a lady's hack with the musical accom- 

 paniment (especially on a clear frosty morning) of the 

 firm trot of the companion at her side. The hunting rule 

 is to ride "slow at timber" and "fast at water." 



As regards the bridle, the least complicated and easiest 

 for the horse in business or pleasure is the " Snaffle," which 

 simple bit can be made more effective in the hands of 

 an experienced horseman, than the most expensive 

 " Weymouth " when used by our heavy-handed amateur. 

 The " Snaffle " consists of a single head, single rein, and 

 single bit, which is invariably used for racing over turf, 

 allowine as it does, the full stretch of the horse's neck ; 

 for general business the " Pelham " is used, consisting of 

 single head, single bit, and double rein ; for hunting and 

 military purposes the "Weymouth" bridle is adopted, 

 which embraces double head, double reins, double bits 

 and curb, in the use of which great judgment and feeling 

 are required, on account of the excessive leverage on the 

 curb bit. The author does not agree with twisted, jointed, 

 or high-port mouthed, or complicated bits in any case. The 

 bridle should be adjusted so as to fit easily, and the cheeks 

 should be regulated according to the carriage of the bit 

 in the mouth. The throat-band should have fair or easy 

 play, just being sufficiently tight to keep the bridle in 

 position without danger of being thrown off by the horse 

 jerking his head up or down. All extra strappings or 

 superfluities should be adjusted with equal judgment, so 

 as not to chafe the horse or risk the rider's life. 



Shakespeare says — "What wound did ever heal but by 

 degrees," which well applies to the use and abuse of spurs. 



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