82 THROUGH STABLE AND SADDLE-ROOM. 



replace it, reverse the operation. It is very simple, 

 and can be learned at once if these instructions are 

 followed. With a snaffle thus treated a leading- 

 rein is formed which will hold the most fractious 

 horse, as, by the rein passing under the jaw, the 

 latter is gagged if the horse tries to get away. 



The following maxims should be remembered — 

 viz. : 



Never lead a horse on a bit. 



Never tie up a horse on a snaffle if you have a 

 bit on, as any sudden jerk from a gatepost, railing, 

 or whatever the rein may be attached to might 

 cause a snaffle to cut a horse's tongue badly, as the 

 post or railing is not like the hand in leading, but 

 dead and unyielding. 



Furthermore, on no account ever permit your 

 horses to be ridden without a saddle, for the fol- 

 lowino- excellent reasons : 



1. The groom wears out his clothes sooner. 



2. He is apt to wear out himself. The latter 

 does not so much matter (?). 



3. He is very likely to tumble off, and your 

 horse run away and get damaged. 



4. Such practices are the very common cause of 

 sore backs to horses. 



I can say no more ; there is, perhaps, no neces- 

 sity for me to do so. But grooms are very fond 



