counteracting, in a certain degree, the effect of the bar rel. The question may be asked, why this counteraction, one tending to destroy the effect of the other? We answer, that if there were no crook used on some horses, they would, when the barrel of the bit acts, draw the chin too near the breast; and by thus confining the action of the shoulders, the animal would become inattentive to his steps, and be liable to stumble. Now, as the crook has the effect of keeping a horse's head up in a proper position when the bridle hand acts, the reader will perceive the necessity of a bit with the crook reversed, on rearing horses. * It cannot be too often impressed on the reader's mind, to study closely, first, the nature and shape of the horse's mouth; and secondly, to ascertain the result of a certain combination of powers as indicated in the external points of the horse, and the manner or kind of action-whether up, as in a rearing horse, or downward before, as in a plunging one. The lips and tongue are the hardest parts of the mouth upon which the bit acts; the bar, roof, and chin, the most sensitive. CHAPTER III. SECTION I.-On the conformation of the Horse. As the conformation of the horse generally indicates the kind of mouth, it will be necessary to point out some of his most prominent faults. If a horse has a short neck, clumsy limbs, heavy shoulders, or is higher in the croup than the withers, it is to be presumed that he has a bad mouth. He will bear heavily upon the bit, making use of (what jockeys term) "a fifth leg." A horse of this character always "bears watching," and the rider must keep in mind the golden rule of horsemanship-" never trust to your horse." He will prove an unsafe leaper; for, lacking confidence in his fore parts, he seeks the aid of the bit, holds down his head so as not to see the obstacle in time to measure his leap, and, consequently, either shies, blunders, or falls over it. To remedy this defect, select a powerful bit with short branches. This will enable the rider to draw the horse's chin towards his neck, instead of his breast. As the horse feels the extra weight thrown upon the shoulders by the croup, the rider must favor his leap by inclining the body a little backward as the horse descends. Horses, on the contrary, higher in the withers than the croup,* are generally up-headed, and have a fine fore hand. Horses of this description show little strength in the hinder parts; they have much knee action, are tender-mouthed, and apt to rear. A mild bit will be most suitable. As a general rule, Horses with short mouths, squatted bodies, and thick, hanging lips, have round and callous bars; those of lofty action, long mouths, thin and compressed lips, sharp and sensitive bars. SECTION II. To hold a Horse by the bridle when the `reins are on his neck, or over the pommel of the saddle. The person should place himself on the near or left side of the horse, and grasp, with his right hand, both reins of the bridoon or snaffle, underneath and about six inches from the horse's mouth. When the reins are not over his neck or pommel, but turned over his head, the person should hold the surplus part, or loop-end of the reins, in the left hand. SECTION III.-To lead the Horse. Hold the reins in the same manner prescribed for holding the horse. If the horse starts suddenly, or attempts to jump away, the person should place his right shoulder against him. * Horses of this kind are generally upon their haunches; they can reach, but cannot gather. |