CRUEL USE OF BEARING-REINS. 319 



with two other cross-rems from the bit affixed to 

 each side of the stall. 



When accustomed to the bit in the stable the colt 

 may be led out with the reins attached to a surcingle 

 on his back, taking care that they do not strain too 

 much on his mouth, which would cause him to 

 rear ; for in forming a horse's mouth the greatest 

 care is necessary, and herein lies the chief art of 

 horse-breaking, which so few understand. In a 

 work published a few years since, I remarked on the 

 cruelty practised by coachmen in their tight bear- 

 ing-reins, by which the mouths of the unfortunate 

 animals under their care are drawn nearly to their 

 back teeth ; and often have I witnessed with feel- 

 mgs of indignation hundreds of the finest horses 

 m the world, during the London season, fretting 

 and fuming with anguish against these accursed 

 bearing- reins when standing before the door of a 

 fashionable shop in Regent or Bond Street, with 

 the conceited ass on the hammer-cloth whipping 

 them over the head and ears because under such 

 torture they could not stand still. 



The next step in the education of a colt, after 

 he has been accustomed to the bit, is saddling 

 him; and as by this time you have familiarized 

 him both to your hand and voice, this will be at- 

 tended with little difficulty, the precaution being 



