286 THE HORSE 



check -rein is used, most horses become slovenly and 

 careless in their habits, and, when not moving, the 

 temptation to eat grass or earth becomes too great 

 to be resisted. The feet, too, may get entangled in 

 the lines and the collar fall half-way down the neck. 



Fia. 83. A rein cruelly used. (Also see page 298.) 



It is the abuse of the check -rein, not the use of it, 

 which is to be deplored. Horses should always be 

 checked up mildly, for it is the business of the horse 

 when in harness to attend strictly to his duties. With- 

 out a check-rein he seldom does. I imagine that a 

 check -rein on some people who walk with heads bent 

 low and rounded shoulders, or sit on their backs 

 instead of their buttocks, would be beneficial. Hap- 

 pily, many of our young ladies are learning to walk 



