CHAPTER III. 



THE CAVESSON — SNAFFLE — NOSEBAND — TRAINING- 

 HALTEK RUNNING-REINS. 



THE cavesson, not being a bit, is mentioned here 

 only because some riders are in the habit of com- 

 mencing the handHng of young horses with this instru- 

 ment, which, although most useful and admirable in the 

 hands of a really skillful person, is equally dangerous 

 and destructive in those of ignorant and brutal horse- 

 breakers. If a young horse be lounged, it may be well 

 to continue the use of the cavesson for a day or two after 

 the operation has ceased, putting in hand-reins for that 

 purpose, so that the animal may be gradually accus- 

 tomed to the snaffle ; but it is a great mistake to con- 

 tinue its use for any length of time in this way, because 

 the horse learns thereby to lean into the rider's hand, 

 which is what should be avoided from the very com- 

 mencement. When used for the above purpose, the ca- 

 vesson should have its nosepiece buckled just low enough 

 to rest on the point of the nose just above where the car- 

 tilage joins the bone, but particular care must be taken 

 to prevent the cheek-straps injuring the eyes, which they 

 are very liable to do. 



Of all instruments employed in the handling, riding 

 or driving of horses, the common smooth snaffle is by far 

 the best and most generally useful ; it is that by means 

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