THE LEVER, THE BIT AND CURB, ETC. 197 



be caught up all of a sudden if the horse makes a bolt. 

 Now this simply proves that the bit is either so mon- 

 strous in itself, or so absurdly placed in the horse's 

 mouth, that the rider is afraid to use it ; in many cases, 

 too, his own seat is so unsteady, and he depends so 

 much on the reins for support, that the best-fitting bit 

 in the world would be useless or dangerous in his 

 hands. If those who really can ride would only bit 

 their horses properly, they might take the bit-rein 

 in their hands without any difficulty — nay, with 

 great advantage to themselves, — and we should see 

 fewer broken knees than at present ; for it is frequently 

 owing to the slovenly way of shuffling along close to the 

 ground, which horses ridden altogether on the bridoon 

 acquire, that these are owing. As to the other class of 

 would-be riders, it will perhaps be better for them to 

 take to the snaffle exclusively, if they do not prefer a 

 Pelham, which we, however, do not recommend. 



The bridoon being, as we have said, an aid, or " a 

 second string to the bow," should never interfere with 

 the bit ; therefore it should be neither thick nor so 

 absurdly long as it sometimes it ; and instead of hang 

 ing down in the horse's mouth so as to impede the 

 action of the bit, it should be drawn up so as to fit 

 lightly into the angles of the lips without disturbing 

 the natural position of the latter : here it will be out of 

 the way, and still perfectly available when needed. 



To conclude, lightness, accuracy, easy motion, a total 

 absence of stijfness, constraint, or 'painftd action, are 

 the characteristics of good hitting ; and if these be at- 

 tained, ready obedience to the rider's hajid and heel 

 will be the result. 



