REIN-RINGS. 149 



fixed and does not run, but I cannot advise its use, 

 and especially for hunting purposes, as it is not 

 safe. 



A far better and simpler plan is to use two 

 metal rings which are connected by a piece of , 

 leather of about six inches in length and one inch 

 broad. The snaffle-reins run through these rings, 

 and when the reins are drawn tight the rings are 

 drawn up under the horse's jaw. This is a great 

 deal safer, and is far more sightly and work- 

 manlike, and answers equally well. This arrange- 

 ment is sometimes made of metal entirely, without 

 the leather. I must caution the reader against 

 using it, as I have been constantly informed that 

 a horse's throat may, in the struo-ales of a fall, o'et 

 badly cut by the metal bars which connect the 

 rings ; and this cannot occur with the leather. 



And now, before closing this already over-long 

 chapter, I will add a few words as to the fitting on 

 of a saddle. It should be placed fairly and truly in 

 the centre of the horse's back, and so as to allow 

 the width of a hand to intervene between the front 

 and the ' play ' of the horse's shoulder. It will 

 then be in its proper position. 



All saddles and bridles should be kept scrupu- 

 lously clean and soft by the use of the sponge and 

 soap. White soap should be the only kind allowed 



