ACTION OF SNAFFLES. 



69 



snaffle, which needlessly irritates the horse by the side 

 pressure it inflicts on the lower jaw (Figs. 85 and 86). In 

 fact, its action to some extent is similar to that of a pair 

 of nutcrackers. The action of the double-jointed snaffle 

 (Fig. 31) is manifestly less objectionable than that of the 

 single-jointed one. We learn by experience that a horse will 



Fig. 87. Groom on Leicestershire Hunter. 



obey the pressure of a snaffle more readily and more kindly 

 when it is painless, than when it hurts his mouth. Hence 

 we find that a horse goes best in a large smooth unjointed 

 snaffle, the good effect of which is often increased by cover- 

 ing it with India-rubber. As a rule, a thin jointed snaffle, 

 especially if it be twisted or otherwise rendered more severe, 

 will prompt him to pull, or will make him afraid to go up to 

 his bit. 



