1 66 THROUGH STABLE AND SADDLE-ROOM. 



bits of the horses on the off side of their bits, so 

 that when this is pulled both horses turn to the 

 right. The two inner reins (the couplers, as they 

 are called) necessarily, therefore, cross each other 

 between the horses. Where they cross it is 

 customary to use a metal or bone ring to connect 

 them. The reins at the couplings are provided 

 with a running buckle and strap, so as to admit of 

 the coupling-reins being lengthened or shortened as 

 desired. 



In harnessing horses for double harness, it is of 

 consequence that these coupling-reins should be of 

 such a length that each horse is kept straight to 

 his work and neither bears away from nor cuddles 

 the pole, as also that each horse is poled up by 

 means of the pole-chains, so as to further ensure, . 

 as far as can be, his being in the best position to do 

 his fair share of work. 



Carriages. 



A gentleman's carriage can hardly be too simple 

 and plain, whether in shape or colour, or too good 

 as far as its material and workmanship are con- 

 cerned. If the carriage, therefore, is good of its 

 kind, the horses should also be good and suitable 

 for that carriage — suitable in size and class ; their 



