94 MOUNTED INSTRUCTION 



5. The weight must be put upon the ribs through the medium of the 

 muscles covering them. 



6. The weight must be evenly distributed over a surface which ex- 

 tends from the play of the shoulders to the last true rib. 



BITS AND BITTING 



There are many varieties of bits for different kinds of riding and 

 driving. They are used singly or in combination. The common 

 varieties are the curb, the snaffle, the bar and the pelham. They vary 

 widely in principle and effect, but there is one essential principle com- 

 mon to all, that of having a mouth piece to bear upon the bars of the 

 mouth by which pressure from the rider or driver's hands through the 

 medium of the reins is transmitted to the mouth. This pressure causes 

 pain, more or elss severe depending upon the type of bit used, the 

 amount of force applied, and the sensitiveness of the mouth. Much 

 unnecessary and harmful pain to mouths can be saved by proper bitting 

 and riding and driving. The best rule is to use the mildest bit and the 

 least amount of force which will accomplish the object of controlling 

 and directing the animal. 



The snaffle, plain bar, and pelham, are the bits generally found on 

 driving animals. 



The SnafBe is a mild bit, though not so mild as the plain bar. 

 It has a pincer action on the bars of the mouth due to the joint in the 

 middle of the mouthpiece. Its effect is a direct pressure on the bars 

 though at an upward angle. It should be selected to fit the mouth, 

 without pinching or having much play outside the mouth, and it should 

 be adjusted as high up as possible without drawing up the corners of 

 the mouth. It is the regulation driving bit in our service, and is the 

 proper bit to use in riding, in training remounts, in training recruits 

 to ride, and for nervous or excitable horses. 



The Curb is the most powerful bit and is capable of inflicting 

 great pain. It should therefore be used very carefully, and only by 

 riders and drivers who are capable of using it properly. Its great 

 power is obtained through a lever action produced by a chain or strap 

 attached to its upper branches and passing under the jaw. The chain 

 rests and presses against the smooth flat surface of the jaw, just below 

 the junction of the two branches, called the chain groove. When the 

 reins are tightened the upper branches revolving around the mouth- 

 piece as a fulcrum, move forward and draw the curb chain tightly 

 against the chain groove forcing the mouthpiece down against the bars 

 of the mouth. The pressure applied by the reins is thus considerably 

 increased. 



Great care should be taken in the selection of the proper type and 

 size of curb bit, its proper adjustment, and proper use. The type 

 selected should be the mildest which will accomplish the purpose. 

 A large mouthpiece with medium sized port and length of branches is 

 desirable. It should be just long enough to fit comfortably in the 

 mouth without pressure from the branches and with but little play 



