ii 4 RIDING 



ordinary easy double-reined bridle, so long as it is properly 

 fitted. It is simple in its action, and easy for the horse to 

 understand, which is the main thing wanted. The curb should 

 be looked to before putting it on to see that there are no rough 

 links in it, which is often the case when it has been in wear for 

 some time. If the curb be a single one, do not use one that 

 has worn thin and wide in the links ; they cut almost like a 

 knife. If the curb be a double one, twist it up before putting 

 it on and see that each link fits properly into its place, for if it 

 is not so the curb cannot be very comfortable to the horse ; it 

 will not have the smooth bearing round the jaw that it is desir- 

 able it should have. In putting it on see that it will admit two 

 fingers easily between it and the jaw. So long as it lies in the 

 groove of the chin and does not get down under the lower lip 

 it can hardly, in the beginning, be too slack, although after a 

 time, when the horse is ridden on the bit, the curb should not 

 be fitted to allow more than the two fingers, but care must 

 be taken at all times that the links are quite smooth. 



Every one, whether he has been accustomed to riding or 

 not, must be perfectly well aware that the action of the snaffle 

 and the bit are totally different. The snaffle acts directly on 

 the bars of the horse's mouth and tongue, whereas on the bit, 

 when the reins are shortened, the lower part of the cheek-pieces 

 are drawn back, which tightens the curb, in addition to the 

 mouthpiece pressing on the bars of the mouth, making it much 

 more severe than the snaffle. The rider, therefore, cannot be 

 too careful, in the first lessons on the bit, to avoid any harsh 

 usage of it, but must begin in the simplest manner possible, so 

 as to get his horse to understand and obey the feeling of it. 

 The best way is to begin dismounted. 



The bridle having been put on, and properly fitted, the man 

 should stand on the near side of the horse, facing him, with 

 his heels apart, nearly in the same position as if he were going 

 to mount, only near to the horse's head, instead of being oppo- 

 site the' saddle, the bit and bridoon reins being loose on the 

 horse's neck. He should then pass his right hand quietly under 



