THE HORSE'S MOUTH 57 



A great deal depends upon the sensitiveness of 

 the individual as to the manner in which he shows 

 his restiveness and irritability when with a sore 

 mouth again facing the bit. A horse of a good, 

 mild temperament may do nothing but show a 

 hesitation in going into the bit and if in double 

 harness hang back for a time, or he will not go 

 up with his mate. Others will go sideways, cross 

 their jaws, press on one side of the bit, or toss 

 their heads in an irritable manner that makes it 

 almost impossible to guide them. High-strung, 

 nervous, determined horses may show their irri- 

 tability in the more dangerous manner of rush- 

 ing, plunging or rearing. Drivers of horses are 

 sometimes very much astonished to find a pre- 

 viously well-mannered horse go off with a rush, 

 rear or plunge, but it is remarkable how seldom 

 they think of looking to the mouth to find out 

 the cause for the unexpected display of ill- 

 manners, when in the majority of instances it is 

 to be found there. Even when the lips are tinged 

 with blood from the injured lining membrane it 

 is seldom that an examination is made to deter- 

 mine the extent of the injury. Frequently when 

 an injury to the mouth is pointed out to an owner 

 it is thought lightly of, the extreme sensitiveness 

 of that organ not being realized. 



Pinches, abrasions and cracks about the com- 

 missures of the lips usually attract attention be- 



