GROOMING, STABLE GEAR, ETC. 75 



plan used in a cavalry regiment of the Italian army 

 on the march near Milan. 



Rheims. 



In South Africa head ropes are made of prepared 

 raw hide called " rheims." They are prepared hy 

 the Kaffir women out of raw ox hide, and are very 

 strong and supple, and are excellent for the purpose. 



Knee-haltering. 



Knee-haltering is also a South African plan of 

 securing horses when turned out to graze. The fore 

 leg is lifted up, so that the forearm from the elbow 

 to the knee is parallel to the ground. The head rope, 

 or "rheim," is then fastened above the knee, the 

 head being pulled a little downwards. The horse is 

 then turned out to graze on the veldt, and when his 

 head is down feeding he can use his limbs and walk 

 about as he likes, but as soon as he puts up his head 

 to trot or gallop the fore leg is pulled up, and he has 

 only three to go on, and can easily be caught. 



Shackles (bheri). 

 The natives of India use iron shackles, much 

 like handcuffs, to fasten with a key round both 

 fore fetlocks of horses when turned out loose ; but 



