72 MY HORSE ; MY LOVE 



furious pace for an hour or so, returning at last to his 

 stable.' 



And had the bit cured him of his youthful spirit ? 



' Alas, yes ! He was not only completely conquered and 

 subdued, but his jaw was rendered helpless, and his tongue 

 so cruelly cut that he could never carry a bit again. From 

 that time on his spirit was broken, and he was unfit either 

 to ride or drive. So much for the Mexican bit ! 



' His owner could make no protest against the cruelty, and 

 had just sold him to a breeder, who, knowing the immense 

 value of his blood and ancestry, could make him useful in 

 the stud.' 



There can be no such objection to the curb bit ? 



' No, the curb bit is, on the contrary, not only useful, but 

 essential. It is a far more merciful means of reminding a 

 wilful horse that he is not to have his own way entirely. 

 It does not cut and cause the mouth to bleed, but creates 

 an ache in the jaw which few horses enjoy, and which in 

 most cases effectually controls, while it does not injure, 

 them. The curb is most important in riding, especially 

 with fiery young steeds when mounted by daring women. 

 As a general thing, women have a light touch on the reins ; 

 and one properly taught, soon learns when it is necessary 

 to use the curb, and how much of it her horse can bear. 

 With some horses it is dangerous even to let go the 

 curb, while with others the snaffle or guiding-rein, only 

 is necessary.' 



Horses are very differently broken, are they not ? 



' While some have hard mouths, which means a greater 

 strength of resistance in the jaw and a defiant way of 

 showing it, others are so tender that it seems cruel to use 

 the curb. Force and will in the rider are not to be always 



