CHAPTER IV. 

 BRIDLES. 



Description of a Bridle Varieties of Bits Snaffles Curbs Pelhams 

 Nose-bands Reins Martingales Adjustment of the Bridle. 



As there is no difference between the bridles used by 

 men and those employed by ladies, I have compiled 

 this chapter from my husband's Riding and Hunting, 

 to which I beg to refer my readers for any further 

 information they may require. 



DESCRIPTION OF A BRIDLE. 



A bridle consists of a bit, head-stall and reins. The 

 bit is the piece of metal which goes into the animal's 

 mouth ; the head-stall or "head" is the leather straps 

 which connect the- bit to the horse's head ; and the 

 reins enable the rider to use the bit. 



Some persons incorrectly restrict the term "bit" in 

 all cases to a curb. This particular application of the 

 word is from custom allowable in the expression " bit 

 and bridoon," in which the bit signifies a curb, and the 

 bridoon a snaffle. 



