Harness and HarnessInC. 7^9 



on the jaws than with the straight bit. Severe bits, of which there are 

 many in the market, and which are intended for punishment, should 

 never be used unless it is absolutely necessary. Severe bits in the hands 

 of a novice are responsible for much of the viciousness among horses. 

 The tendency of the nervous horse to loll his tongue can often be cured 

 by the use of the " tongue-lolling bit." This is a straight-bar bit with 

 a plate fastened on the bar and is just as easy in the horse's mouth as 

 the plain straight-bar bit except for the annoyance of the plate. 



In the training and driving of high-acting horses the curb-bit may 

 be used. A horse properly bitted with this shows himself to better 

 advantage than with any other kind of bit. The curb-bit should be used 

 only by those who are familiar with it, as it may become an instrument 

 of torture in the hands of the inexperienced. 



The choice of the proper bit for each horse can be determined only 

 by trial, and if several changes are necessary one should not be dis- 

 couraged. However, when it has been determined which bit best serves 

 the purpose no further change should be made. After becoming used 

 to a certain kind of bit a horse does not take kindly to a change. It 

 makes him uncomfortable and may interfere with his action. 



Head-stall. — The bridle should be so fitted to the horse's head as to 

 let the bit rest easily in the mouth. The head-stall should be neither 

 too long nor too short. If it is too long the bit drops so that the rings 

 are drawn into the mouth. The horse becomes careless and unmindful 

 of the driver's wish. On the other hand, if the head-stall is too short, 

 the bit is drawn upwards into the angles of the mouth and becomes 

 a constant source of annoyance to the animal and may produce a sore 

 mouth. 



Blinds. — As to the advisability of using blinds on the bridles there 

 is diversity of opinion. Some persons contend that they are of benefit 

 to the horse while others are just as certain that they are cruel. 

 Here much depends upon the individuality of the animal. Some animals 

 work better with them; some work better without them. If the horse 

 works better with blinds on the bridle, use them; if he works better 

 with the open bridle, discontinue the blinds. If blinds are used they 

 should be firmly adjusted to the bridle so they cannot swing back and 

 forth. They should be of the same height on the horse's head as it is 

 very unsightly as well as annoying to the horse to have one placed low 

 and the other high on the face. 



Centerpieces, ear-bobs and tassels. — It is said that such fixtures add 

 to the appearance of the turnout. While fashion and custom seem to 



