THE LEVER, THE BIT AND CURB, ETC. 189 



be so easily fixed in its proper place ; and, secondly, 

 it is impossible to change it for one that does fit 

 accurately, in the contrary case. In fact, this prac- 

 tice is evidently a consequence of want of clear views 

 on the subject of bitting, and, on the other hand, a great 

 obstacle to the attainment of the necessary accuracy. 

 We hold the lower pair of buckles and straps to be 

 indispensable. The upper pair of buckles might be 

 more easily dispensed with if one single buckle were 

 placed on the top of the horse's head between its 

 ears; for by means of this the total length of the 

 cheekpieces may be regulated generally, and the final 

 adjustment of the position of the bit accomplished 

 by means of the buckles and straps, which latter 

 should be pierced with holes at intervals of half an 

 inch.* Some people will, however, prefer the buckles 

 in the cheekpieces; and if so, it will be necessary to 

 see that they do not lie higher than the angle of the 

 horse's eye, as they are otherwise likely to interfere 

 with the position of the forehead-band, which should, 

 like every other part of the bridle, including the 

 throat-band, fit loosely, and cause the least possible 

 amount of discomfort to the horse consistent with the 

 object to be attained. 



The noseband has pretty nearly altogether dis- 

 appeared from our English bridles, which is also a 

 mistake. When horses have been once perfectly 

 trained to the bit, and taken to it kindly, this strap 

 may be dispensed with safely, if people do not like the 



* It may sometimes be necessary to let the bit down or take it 

 up by a smaller quantity than the half-inch affords : in such cases 

 intermediate holes may be made ; but the fewer of these the better, 

 as they weaken the strap. 



