BITS JUsD BRIDLES. 139 



mouth, and from time to time take a sharp pull at the 

 curb. 



HAKOVERIAN-BIT. 



It is of great importance, especially with a high- 

 spirited horse, that the headpiece should fit him, that 

 it is neither too tight nor too low down in his mouth. 

 I have known a violently restive horse to hecome per- 

 fectly calm and docile when his bridle had been altered 

 so as to fit him comfortably. The curb-bit should be 

 placed so low as only just to clear the tushes in a horse's 

 mouth, and one inch above the corner teeth in a mare's. 

 There should be room for at least one finger between the 

 curb-chain and the chin. If the horse is tender- skinned, 

 the chain may be covered with leather. 



When you are learning to ride, you should take pains 

 to learn everything concerning the horse and his equip- 

 ments. In this country we are so well waited upon, that 

 we often forget that we may at some time or other be 

 obliged to become our own grooms and farriers. 



For the colonies, the best bridle is that described in 



