BITTING. 



71 



The ordinary term " bit and bridoon " means simply a 

 curb and a snafiFle. The latter has been already explained. 

 The common curb is merely a mouthpiece attached to two 

 cheeks, and is curved in the centre, forming what is called 

 a " port," while a chain is attached to the cheeks in such a 

 way that when the curb-reins are drawn tight, the chain 

 presses upon the chin of the horse, and so restrains him. 



CAMBRIDGE BIT. 



There is much variety in the shape of curbs, a Chifney 

 being the strongest, and therefore the most capable of 

 misuse in unpractised hands. A really good double bridle 

 for ordinary riding is a Dwyer curb (which has very short 

 cheeks), and a common smooth snaffle. The Cambridge 

 bit is also very generally esteemed. 



For hunting purposes, I like the snaffle bridle to have 

 half horns only, as being less likely to be drawn in a 



