448 RIDING DIFFICULT HORSES. 



Hunting : " As regards the bitting of a puller, I 

 would advise that with a double bridle the curb should 



be put low down in the mouth In all 



cases an unjointed snaffle is much the best form of bit. 

 With a double bridle we have a choice between the 

 two. We should bear in mind that the action of a 

 curb is peculiarly liable to produce insensibility of the 

 mouth on account of its pressure being distributed 

 almost completely round the lower jaw, while that of 

 the snaffle falls only on the upper surface of the jaw. 

 Even the jointed snaffle and the chain snaffle leave 

 the under surface of the jaw free from pressure, and 

 consequently interfere comparatively little with the 

 circulation and nervous supply of that part. Hence 

 we should avoid riding even the worst puller con- 

 tinuously on the curb, the action of which we should 

 alternate from time to time with that of the snaffle, 

 so as to preserve the sensibility of the jaw. It is 

 evident that the sensibility of the mouth is the means 

 by which we are enabled to remain in touch with the 

 forehand of the horse. I would here recommend the 

 alternative, not the combined, employment of the 

 curb and the snaffle." Thin bits which irritate horses' 

 mouths often cause them to fight and pull hard ; it is 

 unfortunately no uncommon sight in the hunting field 

 to see a tortured horse bleeding from the mouth, and 

 yet such animals are expected to gallop and jump 

 kindly ! 



