BITS AND BITTING 



119 



sary and cruel to a temperate and well-mannered 

 horse. When driving a team, the "Elbow Bit" — 

 so-called from the shape — is one that gives great 

 satisfaction. 



Many cross-country riders prefer the Irish 



MARTINGALE 



snaffle, which has large flat rings, and is used 

 with double reins. 



A very handy " Polo- Bit " is called after the 9th 

 Lancer Regiment ; it has a plain, straight mouth- 

 piece and cheeks, with two loops for raising or 



BREAST-PLATE AND MARTINGALE COMBINED 



lowering the rein, so as to obtain a strong or mild 

 leverage. 



Exceptionally light-mouthed horses now and 

 again require snaffles, covered with indiarubber ; 

 oddly enough, they do not bite them as much as 

 one might suppose. 



Captain M. H. Hayes has invented a snaffle 



