26l 



with a supply of nails for fixing it, in the event of the 

 horse casting a shoe. Shoe-cases are frequently car- 

 ried for pure ornament, and are of very little use for 



practical purposes unless occasion- 

 ally fitted with shoes suitable to 

 the feet of the horses which are 

 being hunted (Fig. 30). The use 

 of a breastplate is advantageous 

 in many ways, but particularly so 

 when a horse is flat in the ribs 

 ajid falls away behind the girths. 

 With a horse of this kind there is 

 great difficulty experienced in keeping the saddle in its 

 proper position. The breastplate is a decided adorn- 

 ment, as well as being useful in maintaining the saddle 

 in its true position. It should be fitted easily to the 

 horse, and it is well to have the part that goes over 

 the shoulders padded, so that it will not fret the horse 



Fig. 30.— Shoe-Case. 



_■— ■ I ^riww 



Fig. 31. — Breastplate. 



when any strain comes upon it (Fig. 31). The 

 ordinary double bridle with snaffle and curb is gener- 

 ally the best all-round hunting bridle, as it is suitable 

 to the majority of horses. The rider has far more 

 power over the horse, and can steady and collect him 



