76 



RIDING FOR LADIES. 



It is a common error to suppose that the power of the 

 bit lies in the mouthpiece, according to its form, and that a 

 high port (one that bears upon the palate) affords control 

 over the animal thus bitted. The real power lies in the 

 branches, according to their proportions, and not by any 

 means in the size or shape of the port, which latter ought 

 to have the effect of an axis gravitating on the bars of the 

 mouth, in order that by its influence the branches may act 

 on these only, and not on either the palate or the tongue. 



No lady's horse worth 



calling one will ever require 

 a rearing-bit, but such things 

 are useful on occasions, and a 

 gentleman told me some time 

 ago that he obviated an un- 

 comfortable habit which one 

 of his horses had contracted, 

 of throwing up his head, by 

 using a round ring bit with 



ANTI-REARING BIT. 



reins attached, in place of a 

 snaffle. I have never tried it myself, therefore cannot 

 vouch for the general efficacy of the experiment ; but it 

 may be very good. Men do not mean to be cruel to horses 

 when bitting them improperly, but they are so nevertheless 

 — to a terrible degree. An animal shows signs of un- 

 easiness, and it is at once set down to " temper," and 

 punished accordingly. Temper may at times no doubt 

 have something to do with intractability, but so it has — 

 very often — with ourselves, and what better means can be 



