1 68 Our Noblest Friend, The Horse 



horses than one would beheve go equally well with 

 the head entirely free from check-rein, and if allowed 

 the chance would prove the fact. The side-check 

 should always be fastened to another bit, that the 

 driving-bit ma}- be entirely separate from it. 



The driving-bit should be as large and easy as 

 comfortable driving allows, and if the horse opens 

 his mouth at speed, or at slow paces, he must be 

 made to keep it closed by a nose-band or other 

 arrangement fairly closely buckled. He not only 

 looks badly with his mouth yawning wide, but he 

 drives awkw-ardly, and not infrequently carries his 

 tongue over the bit. He deserves all the comfort you 

 can give him, but when it reaches the point where 

 either you or he must suffer, it is his unfortunate 

 prerogative to go to the wall in your favour. 



Your road-horse demands ample freedom of 

 breeching, and a long trace, in order that at speed 

 he may have full scope, and yet may run no risk 

 of hitting his hocks. His belly-band should be 

 tight, that the shoulder swing may not convey too 

 much motion to the wagon. This is overcome in 



