THE EQUESTRIAN ART. 263 



long, light, and thin, and with a joint, like the 

 fnaffle, or whole, and known by feveral names, 

 according to its form and effecl. 



The life o r a curb-bridle, which, indeed, 

 is generally tne moft proper for road fervice, is 

 to bring the horfe's head in, to lift up his fore- 

 quarters, and fet him fufficiently on his haunches. 

 This, of courfe, contributes to his going light 

 in hand, and fafely above the ground. The 

 curb is to be ufed in thofe two paces, where 

 ftride is to be repreffed, to wit, the trot and 

 canter : in the walk and gallop, where a horfe 

 cannot lunge out too far, the fnaffle is ever the 

 mojl fitting. 



The proper way to ride with the curb-bridle, 

 is to hold both reins together, at difcretion, 

 curbing the horfe no more than is abfolutely 

 neceffary ; for which reafon, the (ingle curb- 

 rein, with which the horfe's mouth finds no fa- 

 vour, is an unfair and foolifh contrivance. By 

 being constantly curbed, his mouth becomes fo 

 cafe-hardened, that you are e'en where you fet 

 out, if you intend an improvement ; relieved 

 indeed, it is true, from the mighty trouble of 

 holding two reins. 



It is neceffary to obferve carefully, that the 

 curb-chain be not fattened above the fnarfle- 

 rein, and that it be hooked fufficiently loofe, 

 not to prefs too feverely upon the horfe's 

 mouth. 



s 4 The 



