176 HOKSE POETEAITUEE. 



possible, to prescribe, merely from hearing how a horse 

 performed, or even by driving him, which style would 

 be best to use. Experiments will be the only guide to 

 direct us, and we will find many trials necessary to know 

 which is the best for each horse under our charge. 



Colts' mouths are generally greatly injured in the first 

 lessons given, and the delicacy of feeling destroyed, by the 

 use of the machinery you spoke of. Many seem to think 

 this is a great point gained, and offering a horse for sale, 

 will tell you that he has a first-rate mouth, meaning that 

 he has learned to pull against the bit with all the force 

 of the masticating muscles, regardless of the pain to the 

 lips and bars. When I commence driving a horse that 

 has not been injured in the mouth, I always use a 

 medium-sized steel snaffle, with long check pieces and 

 stout rings. Should he pull too much on this, or drive on 

 one rein, I change it for a bar bit, again taking the 

 medium-size. If he shows a disposition to run away, I 

 put a chain bit in his mouth, which is as easy as any, if 

 his perversity does not force me to punish him with it by 

 w sawing.' Persistency in pulling generally compels me 

 to use the high check. Should the horse's action not be 

 ' injuriously affected, the application is generally effectual. 

 Before using it, I try the large leathern bit, with which 

 I have cured the most obstinate cases. Pullies or slip 

 reining are only admissible when there is actual danger 

 of running away. The method lately patented will 

 usually stop the most obdurate. I have long been 

 acquainted with the effectiveness of having the power to 

 throw a horse's head up when he attempts to kick or run 

 away. Still there is an advantage in the novelties that 

 are now protected by patents. Th.ere is no cure for a pull- 

 ing horse, however, like that of not pulling against him; 

 though it adds to a person's steadiness of nerve to know 

 that he has the applicances to stop a horse, should g-entle- 



