HINTS ON HORSEMANSHIP. 77 



In such a case a chifney bit, on the principle described, with 

 half the length of branch, and a third part of the weight, 

 will be found more effective than a clipper bit ; and at the 

 same time that weight is got rid of, danger is avoided, 

 which, with branches running far below the horse's mouth, 

 is very great in going through living fences or coverts. The 

 reins should be extremely thin and supple ; they will last the 

 longer for it. For reins break from being stiff and cracking ; 

 and suppleness of reins is essential for delicacy of hand. 



With such a bit, so placed, I have seen the taper tips of 

 the most beautiful fingers in the world, constrain the highest - 

 mettled and hottest thorough-bred horses, and " rule them 

 when they're wildest.' 1 It is an implement, which will give to 

 the weakest hand the power of the strongest ; which most of 

 the strongest hands cannot be trusted to wield, and which? 

 if ladies' hands are light, equal, and smooth, will give them 

 the power of riding horses such as few men might venture to 

 mount. 



