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SADDLERY AND HARNESS. 



edges the superiority of man. When the animal refuses to obey, the 

 disobedience only expresses the creature's ignorance of the desires of its 

 master; or declares the presence of some more potent influence than 

 human authority. In either case, patience is the best remedy. Let the 

 rider be passive until the slow understanding of the quadruped compre- 

 hends his pleasure ; or until a sufficient pause has destroyed the spell 

 by which the servant was enthralled. Pat the neck ; speak encourag- 

 ingly to the alarmed timidity. Then gently walk the fearful life a few 

 steps. In shorter time, with less trouble and with far greater safety, 

 will such measures restore composure, than violence possibly can compel 

 submission ; upon recovery, the acknowledgment of the master's sway 

 will be revived and strengthened by that sense of gratitude which, in 

 animals, reason is powerless to pervert. 



The snaffle is the gentlest indicator which the bridle possesses. It is 

 generally sold in two forms— either plain or twisted. The latter sup- 

 posed improvement renders its action upon the lips more sharp, the 

 sharpness being proportioned to the fineness of the twist. The chain 

 snaffle is, however, still more terrible in its operation, and is certainly 

 better calculated to punish than to guide. A plain snaffle is, therefore, 

 much to be preferred, the fact being well illustrated by the circumstance 

 that the gentlemen who depend upon the milder species of check en- 

 counter fewer accidents than those riders who place their reliance in 

 such mechanical restraints as are warranted to break the jaw-bone of 

 any restive animal. 



THE HACKNEY AND BIRDOON BIT. 



IHE PELHAM BIT. 



The mildest of the many bits in general use is called the " Hackney." 

 It is a curb bit and birdoon, having a double reined bridle. The last in- 

 strument is, however, gradually being superseded by the " Pelham bit," 

 which is capable of creating terrible agony. This restraint riders com- 

 monly employ with double reins ; but it can be used with a single head 



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