68 PINK AND SCARLET 



bridle, follow Whyte-Melville's advice, and put it 

 on the bit rein ; he tells us why on p. 43 of 

 Riding Recollections, and there is no need to say 

 more. Note well also what he says about the 

 martingale rings slipping over those of the bit, and 

 if there is the least danger of this have "stops" 

 on your reins. 



Memory recalls a horse whose martingale rings 

 slipped over the bit rings while out hacking, spin- 

 ning round and round like a top till he threw 

 himself down. Nothing is said about the danger 

 of martingales with reins which are buckled, instead 

 of sewn, on to the bit, because it is obvious, besides 

 our boy does not have such abominations as 

 buckles on his bridles at all. 



Whyte- Melville describes the gag also, and it 

 only remains to be said — be careful with it. 



In one point regarding bits we must differ from 

 the author of Riding Recollections. He recom- 

 mends a jointed Pelham ; we cannot lay claim to 

 experience such as his, but must nevertheless back 

 our opinion and say — " A smooth thick z/^yointed 

 Pelham made in the shape of a half-moon, is an 

 excellent bit for many horses." 



The chapter on " The use of the Bridle " in the 

 above-named book leaves little more to be said 

 on the subject, unless it be, " Use it as little as 

 possible." 



Sailors have an axiom something to this effect, 

 '* As long as the ship keeps her course let her steer 

 herself," and this is by no means a bad thing to 



