34 THE CARE OF HORSES 



that, but in a plain snaffle as shown in Fig. 15, and he 

 ' has gone happily ever after.' That is only one case 

 of many that have come under my notice. 



The centre bit, No. 4, the Pelham, is another 

 simple bit for saddle work. It answers the purpose 

 of both snaffle and curb ; the curb is there in case of 

 emergency, but it need never touch the horse at all. 

 No. 5, at the bottom, is the cheek bar snaffle, and 

 being twisted, is more severe than the plain snaffle. 

 But take my advice, and try the simple ones first 

 with light hands and kind words. Horses love to 

 be spoken to and made much of, and a kind word or 

 gentle and approving pat will do more than any 

 number of hidings and all the pulling in the world 



CHAPTER IV 



HANDS 



As we always speak of ' riding and driving,' we will 

 take things in order, and discuss the position of the 

 (lands in riding first. Simplicity before everything ; 

 so now for the snaffle bridle. With a plain double- 

 reined snaffle, if properly used, a horse ought to be 

 1 as happy as a king ' and perfectly comfortable. 

 Fig. 16 shows the correct method of holding the 

 reins. This position gives that good old * give- 

 and-take hand,' and nothing can compare with it. 

 Many — especially grooms out to exercise — cross the 

 reins in the palms of their hands, giving ' the grip 

 of iron,' and after a long course of this kind they 

 find their horse's mouth hardens, and they have 

 recourse to a bridoon. ' Might as well pull at a 

 house as try and hold the brute !' they say, on 

 returning to the stables. Poor fellows ! there 

 certainly is a brute in the case, but it is not the 



