CHAPTER I. 



THE UNION AND BALANCE OF THE FORCES. IN 



HAND, THE UNION, THE HALF-HALT. 



FROM this time forth the complete double- 

 reined bridle should be used, the curb-chain 

 so arranged that it will fit into the chin groove 

 without pinching, and yet not so loose that 

 the effect of the lever is diminished. The curb- 

 chain should never be changed to give a lighter 

 or a stronger effect to the bit ; but any desired 

 changes in the powers of the curb-bit should be 

 by the use of long or short branches. For the 

 ordinary purposes with horses of normal jaws 

 a bit with branches measuring four and one- 

 half inches from the middle of the mouth-piece 

 to the fitting of the lower ring should be found 

 to answer. 



The curb-bit is a lever which acts upon the 

 bare bars of the lower jaw of the horse, and 

 gives the rider greater power in certain ways 

 over the animal than the snaffle, which does 



