176 HACKS AND HUNTERS 



but also it is generally unwise to allow the horse's feet 

 to be touched prior to a show by a strange blacksmith 

 or by the smith on the show grounds, unless it is ab- 

 solutely necessary. 



The proper kind of bridle and saddle to use on the 

 show hack will be discussed in detail in Chapter XV. 

 Suffice it here to say, that a double bridle should be 

 used, with sewn-in reins and headstall, plain, stitched 

 nose-band,* and the front or brow-band, and should be 

 of colored braided ribbon. The saddle must be of some 

 good make, preferably with a narrow "off" flap and 

 with a pigskin seat. It should be leather-lined and 

 fitted with leather girths. No martingales are per- 

 mitted in the ring. The horse should be exercised in 

 the bridle that he is to wear and become accustomed 

 to going without a martingale. 



Over long distances horses may be shipped to a show 

 by express-train or boat, providing that the service 

 is good and that the animals do not have to change 

 cars or require to be shunted to and fro at railway 

 terminals. Care should be taken in loading that one's 

 horses are not placed near other strange animals from 

 whom they may catch disease. It is also of great im- 

 portance that the horses be suitably blanketed, so 

 that they do not " break out" and then become chilled 

 when emerging into the air again. Under no circum- 

 stances should horses be sent, even for a short dis- 

 tance, without an attendant, and as an added precau- 

 tion they should also be tagged. 



Shipping horses by van, although more expensive, 



* At one time there was a ridiculous fashion prevalent in which the 

 nose-band was left off altogether. The most recent fad is to use a 

 white buckskin nose-band, which, however, gives a "spotty" effect, 

 and detracts rather than adds to the horse's appearance. 



