CHAPTEE III. 



THE CAVESSON SNAFFLE NOSE-BAND TRAINING-HALTED 



EUNNING-EEINS. 



THE cavesson, not being a bit, is mentioned here only 

 because some riders are in the habit of commencing the 

 handling of young horses with this instrument, which, 

 although most useful and admirable in the hands of a 

 really skilful person, is equally dangerous and destruc- 

 tive in those of ignorant and brutal horse-breakers. If 

 a young horse be lounged, it may be well to continue 

 the use of the cavesson for a day or two after the opera- 

 tion has ceased, putting in hand-reins for that purpose, 

 so that the animal may be gradually accustomed to the 

 snaffle ; but it is a great mistake to continue its use for 

 any length of time in this way, because the horse learns 

 thereby to lean on the rider's hand, which is what 

 should be avoided from the very commencement. When 

 used for the above purpose, the cavesson should have 

 its nose-piece buckled low enough to rest on that point 

 of the nose just above where the cartilage joins the 

 bone, but particular care must be taken to prevent the 

 cheek-straps injuring the eyes, which they are very 

 liable to do. 



Of all instruments employed in the handling, riding, 

 or driving of horses, the common smooth snaffle is by 



