FIRST-HAND BITS OF STABLE LORE 



which hugs its tail, or kicks when it gets the rein 

 under, may be circumvented by fastening (tempo- 

 rarily or permanently) a ring a foot or two behind 

 the coupling buckle on the other horse, and run- 

 ning the awkward horse's rein through this ring, 

 both reins leading thence inside the wheelers* 

 bridles (not out). 



" Putting horses together,*' by which is meant 

 proper regulation of the harness, reins, and bits 

 to each individual requirement to the subsequent 

 general advantage, and the appropriate placing 

 of each horse in the team, is a matter of observa- 

 tion and experiment, and a vitally important detail. 

 Four horses comprise a team, but they do not 

 necessarily make a team, by a long way. The 

 alteration of a hole or two in couplings, dropping 

 or raising a bit, " roughing " or smoothing, loos- 

 ening or tightening of curb chains, taking up or 

 letting out pole pieces, low-headed horses always 

 underneath in coupling ; the whole team com- 

 pact — wheelers and leaders close to their work ; 

 lead traces always crossed (to opposite bars), for 

 nothing so puts together a slug and a free-goer, 

 as any ploughman or teamster knows. (This 

 may not be " early English," but it is practical 

 and has no drawback, except allowing the bars to 



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