322 THE HORSE 



the straight bit, consisting merely of the two rings with the mouthpiece of 

 smooth steel, jointed in the middle. The rings, when the bit is to be used 

 alone, are generally guarded from slipping through the mouth by light bars 

 projecting up and down. This bit is made of all sizes in point of substance, 

 from the very light racing snaffle no larger than a goose quill to the heavy 

 breaker's bit in which the mouthpiece is as large as a man's thumb. The 

 size of this part should be proportioned to the delicacy of the horse's mouth, 

 which can only be judged of by an actual trial ; but the proper substance 

 of metal may generally, though not always, be ascertained by putting one 

 in the mouth and pressing upon the jaw, when; if it produces such an effect 

 as to cause the horse to back readily, it will in most cases be sufficiently 

 severe. There are, however, some tempers which do not show themselves 

 until they are excited, and in those animals possessing such as these a bit 

 which will act in a stable-yard is perfectly useless in company. 



2. The twisted snaffle differs only from the preceding in the mouthpiece, 

 each of the two halves being made square instead of round, and twisted 

 more or less on themselves, so as to present sharp edges to the mouth, and 

 thus produce more pain on pressure. This effect is not fully developed by 

 a steady pull ; but when the snaffle is sawed from side to side, as is some- 

 times necessary before a pulling horse can be stopped, the sharp twisted 

 edges act severely upon the delicate membrane covering the jaw and lips, 

 and as the horse gets his head into the air to take the pressure off the most 

 sensitive part, he is almost compelled to pull up by being thrown out of his 

 stride. For this reason some high-couraged animals will go better in a 

 smooth snaffle than in a twisted one, the latter maddening them by the 

 pain which it occasions ; but with the ordinary run of horses a moderate 

 twist properly used is not objectionable, and the smooth mouthpiece is 

 scarcely sufficient. 



3. The snaffle with double mouthpiece is made with two mouthpieces 

 attached in the usual way, but one above the other, to the ring. The 

 joints in the middle are, however, not opposite each other, and thus when 

 the reins are pulled the jaw is embraced in a narrower vice than in the 

 single snaffle. It is, however, very apt to cause the mouth to be opened 

 widely, as there is a greater breadth of the bit at the angles. Never- 

 theless, I have known it very effectual in a puller which would not bear a 

 curb. 



4. The chain snaffle has a mouthpiece made of a steel chain, the links of 

 which may be made large or small, open or close, according to the nature of 

 the mouth. It is a very light kind of bit, and many irritable horses which 

 fight at more severe kinds will go kindly in it. Sometimes the chain is 

 covered by leather to give the mouth still more ease. 



5. A double-jointed mouthpiece is merely a modification of the chain, 

 which it resembles in its effect. The celebrated Dick Christian's bridle 

 had a snaffle of this description. 



6. The double ring snaffle is not so much used for riding as for harness- 

 work, in which it is now very generally employed for horses which are 

 not likely to be too fresh, as for instance those in omnibuses and cabs. 

 It is very difficult to ascertain in what particular the merits of this bit 

 consist, but that it has many advantages over the ordinary snaffle I can 

 speak from long experience, which is supported by its general adoption 



