THE LEVER, THE BIT AND CURB, ETC. 193 



hands. If those who really can ride would only bit 

 their horses properly, they might take the bit -rein 

 in their hands without any difficulty nay, with 

 great advantage to themselves, and we should see 

 fewer broken knees than at present; for it is frequently 

 owing to the slovenly way of shuffling along close to the 

 ground, which horses ridden altogether on the bridoon 

 acquire, that these are owing. As to the other class of 

 would-be riders, it will perhaps be better for them to 

 take to the snaffle exclusively, if they do not prefer a 

 Pelham, which we, however, do not recommend. 



The bridoon being, as we have said, an aid, or " a 

 second string to the bow," should never interfere with 

 the bit ; therefore it should be neither too thick nor so 

 absurdly long as it sometimes is ; and instead of hang- 

 ing down in the horse's mouth so as to impede the 

 action of the bit, it should be drawn up so as to fit 

 lightly into the angles of the lips without disturbing 

 the natural position of the latter : here it will be out of 

 the way and still perfectly available when needed. 



To conclude, lightness, accuracy, easy motion, a total 

 absence of stiffness, constraint, or painful action, are 

 the characteristics of good bitting ; and if these be at- 

 tained, ready obedience to the riders hand and heel 

 will be the result. 



