HORSES. 77 



CHECK REINS. 



The check or bearing reins of a horse mswer 10 good 

 purpose, but are a great evil ; a severe restraint and rela- 

 tion; confining his head in an unnatural position, by 

 which he is constantly tormented. He cannot travel at 

 ease, nor see impediments in the road, and, when he 

 makes a misstep, is more liable to stumble. 



We have observed that the greatest travellers are those 

 horses whose humane masters have allowed their heads 

 to be free ; and as they draw a load up hill, a motion of 

 the head is perceived, which supports the motion of the 

 feet and legs, in the same way as a man, in walking, 

 assists the motion of his legs by a counteracting motion 

 of the arms. How would a man walk with his arms 

 tied to his sides ? Let those who torment their horses 

 with unnecessary restraint, try it on themselves. 



Besides these serious disadvantages in travelling, the 

 horse, by the use of the fixed bridle, is in a painful posi- 

 tion at all times ; even when standing, he cannot rest at 

 ease, but is incessantly tossing up his head, to get momen- 

 tary relief from this painful position ; which violent and 

 constant action produces inflammation and ulceration on 

 the point upon which the head articulates with the spine ; 

 hence the poll evil, and here we have the reason for this 

 formidable disorder being almost exclusively confined te 

 carriage horses. 



We found, a long time since, by experience and obser- 

 vation, that horses would travel better, perform more 

 labor, and were less liable to stumble, when their heads 

 were free ; therefore, we abandoned the cruel practice ; 

 and we hope that it will be totally abolished, and, with 

 that absurd custom of using blind bridles, sink into obliv- 

 ion, so that, in regard to these fashions, our grand- 

 children may laugh at the folly of their forefathers. 

 7* 



