88 BRIDLES. 



of the mouth-piece of the curb being in this position 

 has the further advantage, that it prevents the curb- 

 chain from working up on the sharp edges of the 

 lower surface of the ja^w. The curb-chain in Fig. 50 

 rests in what is called the " chin-groove," which is the 

 depression that covers the bone immediately below 

 the point at which the lower jaw divides into two 

 branches (Fig. 51). The edges of these branches are 

 sharp, but that portion of the bone which is between 

 their point of separation and the front teeth, is smooth 

 and rounded. 



The snaffle, whether by itself or in conjunction with 

 a curb, should be placed sufficiently low, so as not to 

 wrinkle the corners of the mouth. 



The tightness of the curb-chain should in no case 

 exceed that which will allow the cheeks of the curb the 

 amount of " play " shown in Fig. 50. With a light 

 mouthed horse, the curb-chain might be let out another 

 hole or two. 



The throat-latch should be loose, so that it may not 

 exert any pressure on the animal's wind-pipe. 



