188 BITS AND BITTING. 



of bit 4J inches. These are the only fixed dimensions 

 that can be safely given ; the remaining equally im- 

 portant ones are variable, and must be ascertained by 

 measurement in the way to be presently pointed out. 



Let us now suppose that we have ascertained the 

 exact width of the horse's mouth, and also the proper 

 form of the mouthpiece ; we then have the length of 

 the curb without hooks equal once and a quarter the 

 width of the horse's mouth, and the curb-hooks equal 

 in length three-fourths upper bar of bit, which will bring 

 the total length of curb and hooks up to once and a 

 half the same dimension ; and it only remains to put 

 the bit and bridle in their proper places. 



We have already shown how much depends on the 

 bit being placed accurately. A quarter or even an 

 eighth of an inch higher or lower makes all the differ- 

 ence in the world. The headstall or cheekpieces of 

 the bridle must therefore afford all the necessary facili- 

 ties in the way of buckles and straps for this purpose. 

 Military bridles and harness have nearly always two 

 pairs of these that is, one pair by means of which the 

 bit is attached to the cheekpiece of the bridle by its 

 upper rings, and a second in the cheekpieces them- 

 selves, for the purpose of regulating their length ; and 

 both pairs may be employed to determine the height 

 at which the bit is suspended in the horse's mouth. 

 There is a great inconvenience and disadvantage in 

 having a multiplicity of buckles, and many civilian 

 bridles if we may use the word omit altogether the 

 first-named pair, the cheekpieces being then sewed 

 directly into the upper rings of the bit. This we hold 

 to be a great mistake, because, first of all, the bit, 

 supposing it to be of the proper size and shape, cannot 



