COACHING 



swing awkwardly sometimes at the gallop.) Pole 

 pieces should be loose and coupling free for 

 wheel horses, closer for leaders ; and awkward 

 leaders may sometimes be " throat-lashed/' as it 

 is called, as well, which puts their heads close 

 together if inclined to pull. Nosebands and jaw- 

 straps are always useful and often necessary. The 

 mere compulsory closing of a puller's mouth 

 often renders him as light and pliant as any. 



Watch especially the top of the neck and the 

 shoulders, under the hames drafts, for chafing, 

 and be sure that the sweating shoulders are im- 

 mediately well sponged with cold water, which 

 will close the pores. Let every horse's bridle fit 

 him (especially the wheelers), and every one's bit 

 be of the make, shape, and width which suits 

 him best. Browbands, especially, are often too 

 small, too sharp-edged ; blinkers set too close ; 

 throat lashes are too short, or the whole bridle 

 moves or chafes when the lead reins play. Your 

 horses must work hard, make them comfortable 

 every way you can think of, and don't " pooh- 

 pooh " anything you have not tried. 



Never economize on stable help, and always 

 arrange to drop in on them at all sorts of un- 

 expected hours, day or night. Many a road 



243 



