146 POLO PONY GEAR. [Chap. VI. 



martingale (Fig. 6i), as I do not as a rule advocate 

 its use for polo ; the standing one being much more 

 effective in every way. 



Nose bands (Figs. 62 and 63) should be made about 

 2^ inches broad in front, so that the nose may not 

 become chafed ; and should have a pad, or india- 

 rubber tube (Fig. 64), behind to protect the sensitive 

 edges of the bones of the lower jaw, and buckles at 

 each side, so that the nose band may be tightened or 



Fig. 64. — Nose band with india-rubber tube to protect pony's lower jaw. 



loosened, as may be required, without altering the 

 position of the pad. 



A standing martingale should be made with large 

 long billets, so that it can be buckled comfortably over 

 the nose band pad, or to the rings of the snaffle. The 

 strap should be i ^ inches wide, and made the same 

 shape all along to the division, so that it may pass 

 through the buckle, which should be a strong one. 

 This arrangement will enable the martingale to be let 

 out to such an extent as to prevent a star-gazer hitting 

 his rider in the face, or to be taken in so far that the 

 pony's head will be practically strapped to his chest. 



