THE USE OF THE BRIDLE. 45 



against the Pelham, whereas in Ireland we see it in 

 constant use. Like other bridles of a peculiar nature 

 it is adapted for peculiar horses ; and I have myself 

 had three or four excellent hunters that would not be 

 persuaded to go comfortably in anything else. 



I need hardly explain the construction of a Pelham 

 It consists of a single bit, smooth and jointed, like a 

 common snaffle, but prolonged from the rings on either 

 side to a cheek, having a second rein attached, which 

 acts, by means of a curb- chain round the lower jaw, in 

 the same manner, though to a modified extent, as the 

 curb-rein of the usual hunting double-bridle, to which it 

 bears an outward resemblance, and of which it seems a 

 mild and feeble imitation. I have never to this day 

 made out whether or not a keen young sportsman was 

 amusing himself at my expense, when, looking at my 

 horse's head thus equipped, he asked the simple 

 question : " Do you find it a good plan to have your 

 snaffle and curb all in one ? " I did find it a good 

 plan with that particular horse, and at the risk of appear- 

 ing egotistical I will explain why, by narrating the 

 circumstances under which I first discovered his merits, 

 illustrating as they do the special advantages of this 

 unpopular implement. 



The animal in question, thoroughbred, and amongst 



