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CHAPTER VII. 



BRIDLES AND SADDLES. 



Principles of Bitting — Snaffles — Curb Bits — Bridle and Saddle 

 Gear — How to put on the Bridle and Saddle— Choice of a Bit. 



Principles of Bitting. 



The bridle is used for two objects — (i) to restrain, 

 guide, turn, and back the horse ; and (2) to enable 

 him to carry his rider in the best possible manner. 



As the greater portion of the weight of the horse's 

 body has, on account of his conformation, to be borne 

 by his fore legs, they are specially constructed for fulfil- 

 ling their office as supporters ; while the hind legs, 

 though ill-adapted for carrying a burden, are admirably 

 designed for propelling the body onward. Hence we 

 may assume that the rider should sit well forward on the 

 horse's back. Were the animal to continue standing 

 still, he would naturally bear his burden best by the 

 rider sitting quite motionless. The fore and hind limbs. 



