242 ANIMAL DENTISTRY. 



Treatment — In the treatment of ptyalisra of carriage 

 horses, the first requisite is to remove all dental irregulari- 

 ties that would tend to provoke a flow of saliva by irritating 

 the buccal surface. The front molars must especially be 

 well rounded. Wounds of the interdental space must be 

 healed and wolf teeth extracted. The attention must then 

 be directed to the bitting. The bridoon is removed and 

 the head is checked with an overdraw passing beneath the 

 chin. The reins are placed in the "cheek" or "half-cheek" 

 loop of the curb bit; or, if the horse cannot be managed thus, 

 a rubber cover is placed over the bit and the rein attached 

 to the middle or lower bar. The bridle is fitted neatly so as 



Fig. 154. 

 The Best Bit for a Side Pulling Light Harness Horse. 



to bring the bit to a comfortable position near the inferior 

 molars. "Dropping the bit" a habit of coachmen to gain 

 advantage of a "pulling" horse must be avoided. And finally, 

 by patient "schooling," the horse must be taught to drive 

 with a "light line." 



SIDE REINING. 



Definition — A habit of driving horses consisting of con- 

 stant inclination to carry the head to one side of the median 

 line of the body. 



Etiology — The habit of side reining is due to an ingenious 

 attempt to take advantage of the reinsman by placing the 



