266 ayery's own farrier. 



DRIVING. 



This is a very important branch of industry, where- 

 ever the horse may be employed, and perhaps as little 

 heeded as any other in so common use, by a majority of 

 drivers. A good reinsman keeps his reins drawn closely 

 especially in all gaits faster than a walk. Here the 

 order is reversed somewhat from that of riding in this 

 respect — therein has the chief, and I might say the only 

 power of guiding the team on the road; though they 

 might come to a halt without a little tingle. 



A first class reinsman keeps an eye to the road before 

 him, so as to shun all holes and stones that may happen 

 to be near his track; this saves a great deal of wear and 

 tear, both to his horses and carriage, and enables him to 

 glide along by any team he happens to meet on the road, 

 gracefully, without any seeming or visible effort of his 

 own. He will also have his horses trained in such a 

 manner that they will feel the slightest motion imaginable 

 of the bit, made by the taut rein, so that they will not 

 turn up to every house, or stop to talk to every person 

 they meet on the road, or even at his own barn, until they 

 have a sign given them from their master's rein or voice 

 to do so. 



The tight rein is a support to the horse in going over 

 uneven ground, or down a hill, and is a sign to him when 

 drawn on a plane, that he may expect something else 

 unless he obeys this. In fact a good reinsman will drive 

 considerably faster, safer, and with less straining to cords, 

 muscles, wheels and gearing, than an awkward, unskilled 

 driver. 



