BRIDLES AND SADDLES. 



bend their knees and lift their fore legs in the most 

 approved manner. The better they '' stand " being " hit 

 and held," the higher their action, and, consequently the 

 higher their price. This style may be very suitable for a 

 three or four mile drive in the park or in town, during 

 the season, but it is not " business " from a horseman's 

 point of view, as it entails a waste of muscular power. 

 We may see a similar needless expenditure of force, in 

 the case of a riding horse which will not face his bit, 

 especially, if the man on his back endeavours to keep him 

 " up to it," by the pressure of his legs, or by the aid of 

 the spurs. It is quite right that a trooper who may be 

 called upon to engage an adversary on horseback, with 

 sword or lance, should be able to collect his charger, so 

 as to make him turn, circle, or change with the utmost 

 quickness and precision, by the mere indication of the 

 bridle hand. We, however, who desire to ride like 

 " workmen,"' should never use any bit which our horses 

 will not face. 



In order that the horse may go up to his bit, its 

 pressure must be applied in a direction opposite to that 

 in which his head is directed, as with the ordinary 

 snaffle. If the horse be hurt by a tight curbchain 

 pressing on a sensitive part of his lower jaw, or by a 



