THE-:- HORSE 



from the mouthpiece to the rein inception ring 

 and the length of the part from the mouth- 

 piece to the curbstrap ring. 



The first part of this ratio we shall call "A" 

 and the second part "B." It will easily be 

 understood that the difference between the 

 length of "A" and "B," if "A" is the greater, 

 will determine the severity of the bit. In 

 other words, the greater the length of "A" as 

 compared to *'B," the greater the severity of 

 the bit. 



These principles we have just considered are 

 the most important in regard to all bits. 



Port, Spade and Ring bits are primarily de- 

 pendent upon the above principles, and added 

 to them have their specific values, such as, in 

 the case of a Spade, prying the horse's mouth 

 open as well as exerting the forces already dis- 

 cussed. 



The bit I like best for general use is the 

 double-reined Pelham. It is not as cumber- 

 some as the bit and bridoon, but it practically 

 combines the forces of the snaffle and leverage 

 bits. 



Some horses with sensitive mouths need 

 only the pressure of the snaffle on ordinary 

 occasions. If, however, it is desired to secure 

 instant control of a horse that is in an excited 

 condition, the leverage bit may be used to ad- 

 vantage, either alone or in conjunction with 

 the snaffle. For a hard-mouthed horse, a suit- 



27 



