192 BITS AND BITT ING. 



one, and for both a total of 5 J inches, measured from 

 where the curb-hook rests in the upper ring to where 

 the lower ring plays in its socket. For ponies or small 

 hacks these dimensions must be reduced to 1 J inches 

 upper cheek, 3 inches lower one, and total length of 

 bit 4J inches. These are the only fixed dimensions 

 that can be safely given ; the remaining equally im- 

 portant ones are variable, and must be ascertained by 

 measurement in the way to be presently pointed out. 



Let us now suppose that we have ascertained the 

 exact width of the horse's mouth, and also the proper 

 form of the mouthpiece j we then have the length of 

 the curb without hooks equal once and a quarter the 

 width of the horse's mouth, and the curb-hooks equal 

 in length three-fourths upper cheek of bit, which will 

 bring the total length of curb and hooks up to once and 

 a half the same dimension ; and it only remains to put 

 the bit and bridle in their proper places. 



We have already shown how much depends on the 

 bit being placed accurately. A quarter or even an 

 eighth of an inch hip^her or lower makes all the diffe- 

 rence in the world. The headstall or cheekpieces of 

 the bridle must therefore afford all the necessary facili- 

 ties in the way of buckles and straps for this purpose. 

 Military bridles and harness have nearly always two 

 pairs of these — that is, one pair by means of which the 

 bit is attached to the checkpiece 'of the bridle by its 

 upper rings, and a second in the cheekpieces them- 

 selves, for the purpose of regulating their length ; and 

 both pairs may be employed to determine the height 

 at which the bit is suspended in the horse's mouth. 

 There is a great inconvenience and disadvantage in 

 having a multiplicity of buckles, and many civilian 



