KNOWLEDGE OF THE STABLE 197 



A shining coat is not positive proof 



that the horse is properly groomed. 



The hair should be rubbed the 



Grooming 



wrong way, and if the skin 



leaves a whitish deposit on the fingers, 

 it will be well for the horse's owner to 

 watch the groom the next time the 

 horse is dressed, and to insist upon its 

 being thoroughly done. 



Much of what seems to be vice in a 

 horse comes from his having been im- 

 perfectly bitted when young- or 



Bitting f 



from subsequently having his 

 mouth roughly handled. He should al- 

 ways be ridden in as easy a bit as pos- 

 sible, as some horses go well and quietly 

 in a plain snaffle, and will pull, bolt, or 

 run in a curb or any severe contrivance. 

 No rule can be given as to what bit will 

 best control certain tendencies. Ex- 

 perimenting with each kind will be the 

 only means of finding out, but pulling 



H 



