68 



ELEMENTS OF HIPPOLOGY. 



between his teeth or lips, and so defeat the object of applying 

 pressure to the sensitive bars. 



The principle of the curb bit is a very simple one. The 

 power is applied by a pull on the reins to the lower ends of the 



Figure 50. 



cheek-pieces. The point of the horse's head to which this power 

 is transmitted depends upon the adjustment of the bit and curb- 

 chain. If the curb-chain is too loose, the bit will revolve around 

 the mouthpiece as a fulcrum, and the cheek-pieces of the bridle 



