CHAPTER XXIV. 



IMPORTANCE OF A GOOD MOUTH FOR THE HORSE. 



We all agree that there is no point in connection with a horse that 

 contributes so much to the pleasure, comfort and safely of either 

 riijing or driving him as what might be called a responsive mouth, or 

 cue which obeys promptly the slightest intimation from, rider or driver 

 of restraint or guidance. A good mouth is, to a large extent, natural 

 to a horse, so that some horses, if properly handled, can have their 

 mouth made almost perfect. Such horses (of a team, as a rule) must 

 have their heads so related to one another that they can bend their 

 •heads upon their necks with ease. 



TENDER MOUTHS THE RESULT OF BAD HANDLING. 



If horses so formed have bad mouths, it is usually the result of 

 irrational handling, unless they happen to be unduly nervous or unin- 

 telligent animals. 



Jointed or snaffle bits seldom injure the branches of the lower 

 jaw, but sometimes press the cheeks against the anterior molars, and 

 abrade the inner surface of the cheeks, especially if these molars are 

 rough. Of the numerous ill results of soreness and discomfort in 

 connection with the mouth, we may mention the following faults and 

 troubles noticeable when riding or driving, viz.: 



TONGUE LOLLING, CROSSING THE JAWS, ETC. IS OFTEN 

 FROM BAD xMOUTHS. 



Crossing the jaws, keeping the mouth more or less open, lolling the 

 tongue, slobbering, tossing the head to one side or the other, pulling 

 out in double harness or crowding in, going cornerwise, sidelining, not 

 going into the bit, carrying the head unsteadily, pulling, bearing down, 

 balking, rearing, plunging or rushing when starting off (especially out 

 of the stable), restlessness while standing, breaking their gait (or 

 going unsteadily in harness when going within the horse's speed), 

 mixing, hitching or hopping (either in front or behind), interfering; 

 and, last but not least in importance, bridle lameness. If one con- 

 siders for a moment, he can realize the extreme sensitiveness of these 

 sores, and the excruciating pain a horse must suffer when facing the 

 bit in the morning; so that it is not astonishing that some horses hang 

 back when first taken out, and especially if they are predisposed to be- 

 com.e balkers. The high-couraged horse, though he may hesitate at 

 first, will, as soon as the part becomes numbed, begin to pull, and 



