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Some assert, and with truth, that, generally speaking, it is less safe, for, as the best and soundest horse may once in twelve months make a mistake, the advocates for the loose rein can not help to admit that a bearing rein must assist the horse to recover himself under such circumstances. All extremes are bad, and no one would wish to torture an animal's mouth by pulling his head into an unnatural position, like a dromedary, with an excruciatingly tight bearing rein ; but, on the other hand, the absence of one is open to objection. Some horses may and do carry themselves so well that a bearing rein appears superfluous ; but, nevertheless, it may be useful, and for this reason should never be entirely dispensed with. I do not say that exceptions may not be permitted. Those possessed of thoroughbred horses, endowed with superior action, may indulge in any whim or caprice they like ; and animals worth from four hundred guineas to six hundred guineas apiece, and which go with their heads' up, of course do not require a bearing rein, but I condemn the principle for universal adoption ; and I have heard the opinions of some of the best coachmen of the day, both amateur and professional, who have asserted that for the generality of horses the practice is a dangerous one. Some animals' heads are put on differently from others, and con-

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