76 HINTS ON HORSEMANSHIP. 



draws the check of the left branch back, through the 

 medium of the curb-chain, which protrudes the leg of the 

 left branch. This also gives a sawing action to the curb- 

 chain. 



If the theories laid down are true, it will result that the 

 common bits are best for the common run of coarse hands, 

 as being less severe, from their action being divided, and on 

 less sensible parts : and also, that they should be curbed 

 more loosely, and placed higher in the horse's mouth in 

 proportion to the degree of coarseness to be expected in the 

 rider's hand. 



As the collected paces of the parade are not in vogue in 

 England, a gentleman rarely has occasion for his curb at all ; 

 except to train a horse for a lady, or in the case where a 

 commanding power is required with a horse, who, by bad 

 or cruel handling, has become habitually restive (for I dis- 

 believe the existence of one naturally so), or whose animal 

 impetuosity or ferocity leads him to attack his neighbours. 



