280 THE HORSE IN SERVICE 



ness and saddle horses; the snaffle rein only, in the case of the 

 latter, passing through it. 



Nose Band. — The object ,of the nose band is to keep the 

 mouth shut and the bit in position, thus preventing yawing and 

 lugging. It also serves as an attachment for the standing mar- 

 tingale. Heavy, hai'ness and most riding bridles are regularly 

 equipped with nose bands. 



Chill Strap. — This is a strap that passes under the chin 

 either in front of or through the bit especially designed for it, 

 and serves to place the bearing of the check rein under the chin 

 instead of on the upper jaw, to keep the mouth shut, and to 

 i:irevent the lateral pulling of the bit through the horse's mouth. 



The bristle hurt- is a round leather disc fitted around the bit 

 inside the ring or shank, against the cheek, and is often applied 

 to one side only. It is used on horses which either side rein or bolt 

 to one side, in order to keep them off that side of the bit. 



The Word. — ^ Well-schooled horses, in competent hands, may 

 either be started, pulled up, stopped, backed, or changed in their 

 gait without a word being spoken. Only a few words, such as 

 " whoa," " back," and possibly " steady," are justifiable under 

 any circumstances, and tliey should be spoken distinctly and 

 always for the same pui-pose. It is more the tone and modulation 

 of tlie voice, in speaking, than the word itself, which the horse 

 intei-prets. The objection to a careless and indiscriminate use 

 of words in either driving or riding is that they are not only con- 

 fusing oftentimes to the horse for which they are intended, but 

 may disturb all other horses 'within hearing. Every horse should 

 know and heed the command " whoa," which should always 

 mean a full stop. 



The whip shoidd be used more for punishment than persua- 

 sion. The continued tapping of the whip, like the jabbing of 

 the reins, will make a loafer of any horse. Discretion in its 

 application will insure both unifoi-m and prompt response. 



FOKM 



There are two ends sought by good horsemanship : First, the 

 safety and comfort of the individuals who are riding or driving, 

 which depends upon one's ability to keep his horse both between 



