SADDLE AND BRIDLE 



In arranging the bits in the horse's mouth, 

 put the bradoon on alone first, so that it lies 

 exactly in the corners of the mouth, not 

 stretching them in the slightest when the 

 reins are slack ; the mouthpiece of the curb 

 bit should then be placed just clear of the ends 

 of the bradoon, falling on the bars of the lower 

 jaw at a point about opposite the chin groove, 

 in such a manner that the curb chain fits in it 

 smoothly and snugly, yet not so loosely that 

 it can get over the under lip when the reins 

 are slack. 



Before leaving the stable the groom should 

 take hold of the curb reins under the neck, and 

 gently bring the full pressure of the bit to bear 

 on the mouth ; if the horse yields kindly, the 

 bit suits, and is properly placed ; if not, the 

 position must be changed until its exact spot in 

 the mouth is discovered. There is no comfort 

 in riding if the horse will not face his bit. 



The point to bear in mind is that the longer 

 the cheeks, the thinner the canons, and the 

 higher the port, the more severe will the bit be, 

 and that as a horse should not be hurt, the 

 strength of the bit should depend upon the 

 length of the branches, and not on the sharpness 

 of the mouthpiece. Sometimes, although the 

 curb chain lies in its proper place, it still hurts the 



17 c 



