THE HORSE ON A JOURNEY 153 



the forefinger of the left hand, and the off rein between the 

 middle and forefingers. The thumb presses the near rein 

 fast against the forefinger ; and if both reins, instead of 

 being allowed to fall over, are passed between the little 

 finger and the third or " ring finger," it will much improve 

 the grip, especially when the muscles Jare tired with long 

 driving, and the attention is slack. We protest against the 

 bearing-rein as a general piece of harness ; it is merely a 

 cover for careless driving. It can only be allowed where 

 an old horse has been so accustomed to hang upon it that 

 he is unsafe and uncomfortable without his habitual tor- 

 mentor. The cab-horses are as hard-worked as ever, yet 

 they are now scarcely half as often down as when the bear- 

 ing-rein was the rule, and not the exception. With three 

 legs and a swinger, while their head is free, they seldom 

 make a mistake. Why, then, put on this useless restraint 

 to a vigorous and spirited animal ? Do not, however, fall 

 into the error of holding too tight a rein yourself. It will 

 gag your horse and lead him to unsure footing, while a 

 loose rein is bad at the opposite extreme. " Feel the horse's 

 mouth " so as to guide him on either hand, and assist him 

 in a difficulty should he make a fault in going downhill. 



CHAPTER XI 



CARE AND TREATMENT OF A HORSE ON A 

 JOURNEY 



The maximum which a good hack should perform is fifty 

 to sixty miles in the day or night ; but if this is to be 

 continued, thirty to forty is fair work, and should not be 

 exceeded. But let no man ride his saddle-horse a long 

 distance, unless sure that he is in full condition from the 

 " hard-meat " system we have advised under Conditioning. 

 Should, however, any Mr. Verdant Green try a journey on 

 a horse fresh from green fodder, with a burthen of grass 

 flesh upon him, let him ride moderately, and see that he 

 has good corn, or a month will not be too much to get him 

 into condition. 



Many persons ride long stages — we have heard of thirty or 

 forty miles — without baiting; but it is inconsiderate, and is 



