CHAPTER IV. 

 BITS AND BRIDLE GEAR. 



Description of a Bridle Objects of a Bridle Principles of Bitting Material 

 for Bits Varieties of Bits Snaffles Hancock's Mouth-piece Covers Curbs 

 Pelhams Bridles Methods for connecting the Head-stall and Reins to 

 the Bit Fronts Throat-latches Reins Nose-bands Chin-straps Action 

 of Snaffles - Action of Curbs Construction of Curbs Curb-chains Action of 

 Pelhams Martingales Bridling a Horse Adjustment of Bridle Choice 

 of a Bit. 



DESCRIPTION OF A BRIDLE. 



A BRIDLE consists of a bit, head-stall, and reins. The bit 

 is the piece of metal which goes into the animal's mouth ; 

 the head-stall or " head " connects the bit to the horse's 

 head ; and the reins are fixed to the bit at such a length 

 that the rider can manipulate them. 



Some persons incorrectly restrict the term " bit " in all 

 cases to a curb. This particular application of the word 

 is from custom allowable in the Irish expression, "bit and 

 bridoon," in which the bit signifies a curb ; and the bridoon, 

 a snaffle. 



OBJECTS OF A BRIDLE. 



The three chief objects for which a bridle is used 

 are: (i) to restrain the horse; (2) to direct his move- 

 ments ; and (3) to enable him to carry his rider in the 

 best possible manner. 



PRINCIPLES OF BITTING. 



The necessity for the power of restraint and guidance 

 by means of the bridle is self-evident ; but the third 

 object of a bridle needs some explanation. Were the 

 rider to sit like a " dead weight " with the reins loose ; 

 his body being free to move by the hip joints, and having 

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