TACKLING THE COLT. 29 



the tackling on him, which will consist of a 

 roller, a crupper, and a bit. The roller is 

 nothing more than a surcingle having that part 

 which corresponds to the saddle well padded, 

 having on each side of it on a level with the 

 sides of the withers a buckle for the reins, and 

 behind, in the centre line, a D for the crupper, 

 which should near the tail have a buckle on the 

 near side of it, or it may be as well to have one 

 on either side. The buckle greatly facilitates 

 placing the crupper under the tail, as it can be 

 put round its root easily, instead of having to 

 be drawn over its whole length from the tip to 

 the root, hair and all. 



As to the best bit, everyone has his par- 

 ticular fancy in this respect. Some advocate a 

 large smooth snaffle, with keys depending from 

 its central ring ; others a large smooth straight 

 bit ; others a straight bit with rollers on its mouth- 

 piece ; others a large straight bit the mouth- 

 piece of which is of wood ; others a circular bit 

 consisting of a smooth ring with a loop on its 

 upper surface at either side for its attachment 



