it entails the groom leading with the bit rein, which is, in many ways a good thing. On the other hand, as we use the snaffle rein most, unless we are actually schooling, the running martingale has the disadvantage of being a dead weight upon that rein, and often impedes delicate manipulation. If it is put on the bit rein, it has the effect of checking the horse more effectively if he throws his head up, and if he doesn't it does not worry him at all. But 'stops' are necessary to prevent the rings getting entangled with the rings of the bit. Of the two, the bit rein seems on the whole to be preferable. The purpose of the running martingale is to keep at least one rein down when the horse throws his head up very high, and so prevent the awkward predicament of having all four reins on the same side. It so enables the rider to steady a horse that gets his head high. It makes the pull somewhat downwards, a distinct advantage on such occasions, if the rider cannot of his own volition keep his hands down. The length of the martingale should be 'wither high'. The standing martingale is a strap which passes from the girth, through the neck strap, to the nose band. Some people object to it in the belief that it checks a horse's freedom too much. But if this is so it is because the martingale is adjusted too short. It should be of such a length as to give the horse all the freedom he wants in the ordinary way. It should only be just short enough to save the rider from getting a bang on the nose if the horse unexpectedly throws up his head very high. The standing martingale has a great advantage over the running martingale, in that it gives complete freedom to the horse for all normal movement, without interfering with his mouth. Another of its many advantages is that it gives the rider free use of the reins. An objection sometimes made to it is that it does not prevent the reins from coming over the horse's head. But the answer is that if the horse cannot throw his head up very high it is unlikely that the reins could be tossed over the head. Another merit is its attractive appearance, 'stops' being unnecessary. The Irish martingale is merely a loop going round all four reins, serving the purpose of keeping the reins in all ordinary circumstances well in their place. But when the reins are put over the horse's head for watering or when tying up, it is apt to get lost. When the horse carries his head high it helps to keep the reins down, but it does not prevent the rider from getting a bang on the nose. Taking all these facts into consideration, the author prefers the standing martingale for all occasions. Those who advocate riding without any martingale do not realize how convenient neck straps can often be. A Breastplate is sometimes used, especially in hilly countries, with the idea of keeping the saddle from slipping back. But it is not to be recommended. If the saddle does slip back, a string girth is the best preventative.

THE SIDE-SADDLE

The side-saddle, I believe, was introduced into England by the wife of King Richard II, Anne of Bohemia, because she suffered from hip disease. Before her, all ladies rode astride, and the question of whether they could or could not ride thus was beside the point. The fact that they now do ride astride and with such success, has finally put an end to the question of their Capacity to do so. The point is not whether they can but whether it is suitable for their needs. In coming to a decision the following points only need be considered:

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