LONG REIN GEAR. 



189 



each side, are riveted to the iron plate. Before I invented 

 this pad, I used to employ crosstrees (see Fig. 84) ; on each 

 side of which was placed a leather strap for the rein to 

 run over. The iron pad is less cumbersome than the 

 crosstrees, serves its purpose better, and is practically in- 

 destructible. I generally dispense with a crupper, unless 

 the horse has thick low withers, and is particularly wild. 

 As will be seen in Fig. 85, I used to have rein-bearers 



Fig. 84. — Wooden driving-pad. 





(about three and a half feet long, and made to lengthen 

 or shorten as might be required), hanging from the crupper. 

 They are useful for preventing the reins getting entangled 

 in the horse's legs. The fact of my having discarded them 

 as an article of breaking gear, is no doubt due more to 

 laziness on my part, than to the possession of such skill 

 that would make me independent of their aid. 



If circular webbing cannot be obtained for the reins, 

 ordinary driving reins or ropes of suitable length will do. 



