52 BITS AND BRIDLE GEAR. 



of three segments which are capable of moving on each other. 

 Also there are rollers on the mouth-piece. 



BRIDLES 



Are divided into single bridles and double bridles. A single 

 bridle, which may have a snaffle (Fig. 29) or curb, consists 

 of a head-stall, a bit, and one or two pairs of reins ; and a 

 double bridle (Fig. 49), of two bits, two head-stalls, and 



Fig. 65. Hanoverian Pelham. Fig. 66. Side view of Hanoverian 



Pelham folded up. 



two pairs of reins. The term " double bridle," without 

 qualification, is always understood to mean a bridle which 

 has a curb and snaffle; though it might be applied with 

 propriety to any bridle which has two bits ; for instance, a 

 gag snaffle and an ordinary snaffle. If we accept the idea 

 that a double bridle has two " heads," though only one front, 

 we must regard the Pelham as a single bridle. 



The leather of a bridle should be mellow and pliable, but 

 not spongy. The pressure which the leather work of bridles 

 and stirrups undergoes in careful manufacture, improves its 

 appearance and makes it thinner. Inferior leather may often 

 be recognised by its thickness and porous character. 



