CHOICE OF A BIT. 109 



the curb-chain, to make the link which goes on the curb-hook 

 lie flat (Fig. 99) against the animal's jaw, so that it may not 

 hurt the lip. 



The throat-latch should be put on loosely, but not so loose 

 as dealers generally have it. If buckled tightly, it will not 

 only incommode the horse's breathing, but will also, as 

 pointed out by " Harry Hieover," spoil the look of the 

 animal's head. 



If a nose-band is employed merely for show, it should be 

 moderately loose, as it will then look best ; but if for use, 

 it should be drawn tighter. It may then be placed high 

 enough so as not to press against the horse's nostrils, and 

 sufficiently low to close the mouth, for which object it is 

 more effective when low down than when high up ; because 

 in the former position, its pressure acts to greater mechanical 

 advantage against the muscles which separate the jaws than 

 in the latter position. As a horse breathes through his 

 nostrils, the fact of his mouth being kept closed does not 

 affect his respiration. The presence of a tight nose-band 

 may make a horse pull from irritation. 



The adjustment of martingales has already been de- 

 scribed. 



CHOICE OF A BIT. 



The fashion which dictates the use of the double bridle for 

 hunting in Leicestershire, is well founded ; for that head-gear 

 allows the utmost variety of legitimate feeling on the horse's 

 mouth. Leicestershire men affect the double bridle so much 

 that very few of them would buy a horse shown to them only 

 in a snaffle, no matter how steadily and well he might perform 

 in it. With a double bridle we may ride on the snaffle as 

 much as we like, and keep the curb for emergencies ; although, 

 from not knowing how to hold the reins properly, men 

 frequently get into the habit of always riding on both reins, 



