CHOICE OF A BIT. 241 



the corners of his mouth, in which case the indication 

 afforded him by the rider puUing at the reins will be 

 to slacken his speed, rather than to bend his neck ; 

 hence the difficulty often experienced in " collecting " 

 a horse with a snaffle. Oriental cavalry, who use a 

 snaffle furnished with short spikes, have extraordinary 

 power over their chargers, whose heads they tie tightly 

 down by means of a standing martingale. 



A large, plain, smooth snaffle is the best of its kind 

 for ordinary work. 



The chain S7iaffle is an excellent " all round " bit, 

 especially for pullers. With light-mouthed horses, it 

 may be covered with washleather (see page 192). 



The double-ringed snaffle (see page 192) may be used 

 for horses which bore to one side, or have to be at times 

 turned sharply. 



The gag snaffle (see page 193) is specially applicable 

 for horses that " bore " their heads down, and for Aus- 

 tralian buck-jumpers. By using both reins, the pressure 

 may be regulated, so as to keep the horse's head in a 

 proper position. Stonehenge remarks that "the gag 

 snaffle is particularly well adapted to the double-reined 

 bridle intended for pulling horses carrying their heads too 

 low, which the curb has a tendency rather to increase than 



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