Before bringing this chapter to a close, I would wish to add that a colt in his fifth year may be ridden once or twice a week with harriers, or once with foxhounds, if the meet be very near his stable—but he must never on any account be pressed, or run to the end of his tether, for it is an absolute fact that if a young animal is once suffered to find out for himself that he is beaten, he will never while he lives get to the close of a long or trying run. This may, by some, be regarded as a fallacy, but many practical authorities will, I think, endorse what I say.
* The celebrated Mr. Rarey has been accredited with the invention of this system, or something very nearly approaching it; but so far back as half-a-century ago, Mr. Allen McDonogh, one of the best and greatest of riders, trainers, and authorities, tried it with success in his own training-stables, and subsequently (some five or six years ago) taught it to me at Athgarvan Lodge, Curragh. [↑]
CHAPTER XXVI.
A BUDGET OF “TIPS”.
Mouths and Mouth-pieces.—The shape, delicacy, or toughness of a horse’s tongue does not in the least contribute towards making his mouth either tender or harsh; but a difficulty is thrown in the way of bitting when the tongue is broad in form, because in such case it covers the bars of the mouth, and so prevents the mouth-piece from acting properly upon them. The tongue is endowed with immense susceptibility to pain or pressure, and any undue compression of it causes intense suffering and fretting, and entirely obviates the action of the bridle. I consider that rollers, olives, twists, and all such devices, are not only useless encumbrances, but are instruments of destruction as well. The severity or mildness of a mouth-piece is regulated by the thickness of that portion of the cannons which acts upon the bars of the mouth. The curb-chain ought to sit exactly on the beard, or chin, of the horse. If he is tender-mouthed, it should be left very slack.
Country Riding-Suits for Men.—If you want to ride in luxury in the country, get measured for a knickerbocker garment, with continuations in the form of breeches, fitting perfectly below the knee. This most sensible novelty can be worn with or without leggings, so that if desired for rough usage on the moors, the additions can be dispensed with, or added if wanted for saddle use.
Hunting Breastplates are approved by many keen sportsmen. I give a sketch of one.
