58 RIDING RECOLLECTIONS. 



horse, nor a capital run from Misterton, in which, with 

 his usual kindness, he lent him thus bridled to a 

 friend. 



I have seen horses go very pleasantly in what I 

 believe is called the half-moon bit, of which the bri- 

 doon, having no joint, is shaped so as to take the curve 

 of the animal's mouth. I have never tried one, but 

 the idea seems good, as based on the principle of com- 

 fort to the horse. When we can arrive at that essential, 

 combined with power to the rider, we may congratulate 

 ourselves on possessing the right bridle at last, and need 

 have no s.cruple in putting the animal to its best pace, 

 confident we can stop it at will. 



We should never forget that the faster hounds run, 

 the more desirable is it to have perfect control of our 

 conveyance ; and that a hunter of very moderate speed, 

 easy to turn, and quick on its legs, will cross a country 

 with more expedition than a race-horse that requires 

 half a field to " go about ; " and that we dare not 

 extend lest, "with too much way on," he should get 

 completely out of our hand. Once past the gap you 

 fancied, you will never find a place in the fence you like 

 so well again. 



