THE CHOICE OF A BIT. 255 



upper arms of all curb bits, the severity may be increased or 

 diminished by lengthening or shortening the lower arms of 

 the cheek-pieces. The measurements given of the length 

 of the cheek-pieces with sliding mouth-pieces are those made 

 from the centre end of the mouth-piece, when the latter is at 

 the top of the slide. 



" There is an old idea, still extant with many, that by making the upper 

 branch of a bit short, we cause the lower to draw under the chin ; so we 

 should if, with a bit an inch and a half long above the mouth-piece, we left 

 the curb chain the same length as if the upper branch was an inch longer ; 

 but take up the curb chain a couple of links, it would no more draw under 

 than the other. And to carry this on, if we only left an inch above and 

 pulled the lower branch towards the horse's nostrils, and then curbed him 

 up, the curb chain would still keep the bit nearly perpendicular with the 

 cleft of the mouth or lips." Charles Brindley, " Practical Horsemanship" 

 /. 82. 



THE CHOICE OF A BIT. 



The first consideration, and one that is too frequently 

 never thought of, is that a bit should be suitable in form and 

 fitted with accuracy to the horse's mouth. No matter how 

 well made or of what shape a bit may be, if it does not fit, 

 the control of the horse is lessened in proportion to the 

 degree the bit is too small or too large. The reputation that 

 some men have for " good hands " is due as much to a good 

 head in the matter of fitting and adjusting the bit as to any 

 especial delicacy in handling the reins. On the subject of 

 the form and fitting of a bit the following well known author- 

 ity, the Duke of Beaufort, is quoted in substantiation of a 

 point upon which it may be thought the writer has laid too 

 much stress : 



" The bit must be suited to the horse, and the possessor and driver of 

 many horses must, if he wishes to enjoy life, have many bits, some with 



