96 



BITS AND BRIDLE GEAR. 



(Fig. 1 08), so that the young one cannot catch his head in 

 them. These martingales are called " web martingales." 



The reason for the running martingale being split into two 

 branches, is to allow freedom in the separate action of the 

 reins. If the rings of the martino-ale were close together, and 



Fig-, ic 



Web Martingfale.' 



the right rein was pulled to turn the horse to the right, the left 

 rein would have to be slackened off (as in Fig. ill), in order 

 that the pull of the right rein might be effective. By the 

 branched arrangement, the pull of one rein does not affect the 

 direction of the pull of the other rein. 



Uses of the running martingale. It is a common idea that 

 the chief use of a running martingale is to prevent a horse 



