26 



PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 



THE 

 BRIDLE 



The bridle may or may not have blinkers 

 attached. Some horsemen think they 

 do more harm than good ; but this 

 lepends entirely upon the horse. IMost 

 Lorses, however, work better with them, 

 as it keeps their attention closely to 

 their work. The bit is the most impor- 

 tant part of the bridle; and it is to con- 

 trol, and not torture the horse. A bit 

 should fit the mouth, be just the width of the mouth and 

 no larger. Bad fitting and cruel bits are the causes of 

 hard mouths and unmanageable horses. 



BI^INKSRS. 



TRACES. SAD- 

 DLE. BREECH- 

 INQ, CRUPPER 



The traces should be attached to the 

 hames at such a point that the horse can 

 pull properly. A good collar-maker will 

 fix this point, as it takes a knowledge of a horse's build 

 to do so. Care must be taken that the traces are of 

 equal length. The size of the pad or saddle depends on 

 the nature of the work required. For carriages it 

 should be light, but for heavy work it must be broad 

 and well stuflfed. The tugs or straps must be of such 

 length as to suspend the shafts at a correct height. The 

 breeching is worn in single harness, and must be loose 

 enough to allow proper action. The crupper is to keep 



