PARK AND ROAD RIDING. 61 



back upon you, and put remonstrance out of 

 your power for some time to come, if not for 

 ever. In striking him, if you do so, do not 

 indulge in the belief that you are safe because 

 he drops quickly upon his fore-legs, but on 

 the contrary, be fully prepared for the kick or 

 buck which will be pretty sure to follow, and 

 which (unless watched for) will be hkely to 

 unseat even a most skilful rider. Both rearing 

 and plunging may, however, be effectually 

 prevented by using the circular bit and 

 martingale, procurable at Messrs. Davis, 

 saddlers, 14, Strand, London. This admirable 

 contrivance should be fitted above the mouth- 

 piece of an ordinary snaffle or Pelham bridle. 

 It is infinitely before any other which I have 

 seen used for the same purpose, has quite a 

 separate headstall, and should be put on and 

 arranged before the addition of the customary 

 ridle. Being secured to the breastplate by a 

 standing martingale, it requires no reins. 



