humb--we
don't know how thick that was--and four and a half inches between the
cheeks; and there was no better judge than Dick.

The Germans use a wooden bit to make a horse's mouth, and good judges
think they are right, as it may not be so unpleasant as metal to begin
with; but wood or iron, the bridle should be properly put on, a point
often neglected, and a fertile source of restiveness. There is as much
need to fit a bridle to the length of a horse's head, as to buckle the
girths of the saddle.

For conquering a vicious, biting horse, there is nothing equal to the
large wooden gag-bit, which Mr. Rarey first exhibited in public on the
zebra. A muzzle only prevents a horse from biting; a gag, properly used,
cures; for when he finds he cannot bite, and that you caress him and rub
his ears kindly with perfect confidence, he by degrees abandons this
most dangerous vice. Stafford was driven in a wooden gag the first
time. Colts inclined to crib-bite, should be dressed with one on.

[Illustration: WOODEN GAG BIT.]

Our woodcut is taken from the improved model produced by Mr. Stokey; no
doubt Mr. Rarey took the idea of his gag-bit from the wooden gag, which
has been in use among country farriers from time immemorial, to keep a
horse's mouth while they are performing the cruel and useless operation
of firing for lampas.

[Illustration: Leg strapped up.]

FOOTNOTES:

[51-*] Is there such a work? I cannot find it in any English
catalogue.--EDITOR.

CHAPTER VI.

Taming a colt or horse.--Rarey's directions for strapping up and
laying down detailed.--Explanations by Editor.--To approach a
vicious horse with half door.--Cartwheel.--No. 1 strap
applied.--No. 2 strap applied.--Woodcuts of.--How to hop
about.--Knot up bridle.--Struggle described.--Lord B.'s improved
No. 2 strap.--Not much danger.--How to steer a horse.--Laid down,
how to gentle.--To mount, tied up.--Place and preparations for
training described.

In this chapter I change the arrangement of the original work, and unite
two sections which Mr. Rarey has divided, either because when he wrote
them he was not aware of the importance of what is really the cardinal
point, the mainstay, the foundation of his system, or because he wished
to conceal it from the uninitiated. The Rarey system substitutes for
severe longeing, for whipping and spurring, blinkers, physic, starving,
the twitch, tying the tail down, sewin