42 HORSEMANSHIP. 



run away in spite of the best exertions of the rider, the 

 hands must suddenly cease from bearing upon the 

 mouth, and as suddenly regain their hold. The sudden 

 relaxation and the sudden retention, continued, break 

 the stride of the horse; and when the pace becomes 

 broken, the running away can soon be overcome. In 

 horses of confirmed vice, the strength of the rider may 

 be incompetent to contend with it, or the science may 

 be insufficient to counteract and defeat it. In either 

 case the application of artificial aid will add immensely 

 to the powers of the bit and the snaffle. Join the bits of 

 the two bridles with a strong iron or steel ring, suffi- 

 ciently large to allow the snaffle to play with freedom ; 

 or, in place of the ring, enclose the bits with a few links 

 of curb chain, fastened together by a small split ring. 

 By this junction of bit and snaffle, there is found to be 

 greater power over the horse even when using the 

 snaffle, than when using the bit only. 



HOW TO DISMOUNT. 



Hold the bit-rein with the right hand, and slide the 

 left hand down upon the neck, feeling the horse's 

 mouth gently ; then let the right hand drop the reins 



