HORSE-TRAINING MADE EASY 51 



in the mouth ; now drill two holes in the centre 

 of the leather corresponding to those in the bit, 

 and secure both together by rivets, so that the 

 leather extends two inches above the bit and two 

 inches below it ; this, put into the mouth, keeps 

 the tongue down clear of the molar teeth, and 

 prevents the animal getting it over the bit. A 

 horse which lolls the tongue should never be 

 driven with a snajffle bit j a bar bit is always 

 preferable. 



HUGGING THE POLE. 



This is a great annoyance to the other horse, 

 and he will probably learn to do the same thing, 

 not from imitation, but from leaning inwards so 

 as to enable him to stand against the other lean- 

 ing on him. I have seen a pair of horses thus 

 going, each leaning on the other, rendering it 

 extremely dangerous in frosty weather, or where 

 the road from any cause may be slippery. This 

 habit may be broken up by securing a piece of 

 sole leather to the pole upon the side where the 

 animal leans, having a number of tacks driven 

 through it in such a manner as to protrude from 

 the leather towards the horse. The moment he 

 attempts to hug the pole, the tacks prick him, 

 and he leaves it in a moment and takes his proper 

 position. He makes but few efforts after the first 

 punishment j a few days' driving in this manner 

 usually cures him of the habit. 



