BRIDLES AND BRIDLING. 65 



slightest touch. The animal will naturally fight a dis- 

 turbing bit, instead of giving obedience to it. For the 

 curious on the subject of Baucher's bit, I refer all readers 

 to the second American edition of his work on horseman- 

 ship. His bit was in length of side-piece six inches from 

 top to bottom, five is enough, three inches from rein 

 ring to mouth-piece, and two from that to top of ring for 

 head-stall. The port, after all, is the most particular 

 feature requiring attention. Examine it, and if you find 

 any rough, sharp surface about it, that must necessarily, 

 if not smoothed, come in contact with the horse's tongue, 

 let that be filed as smooth and rounding as possible, so as 

 to be perfectly comfortable to him. It should be just so 

 high and broad as to admit his tongue without his having 

 it so contracted as to be disagreeable. Mouth-piece from 

 four and a half to five inches wide, the former wide 

 enough, unless in the case of an extraordinary large 

 animal. Cannon, one and a half inches in circumference. 

 I know many are made much thicker, but it is only a 

 waste of iron and that much more weight on the horse's 

 head. Feel carefully with a nice touch all over the bit 

 to discover if there is any irregular surface, so that neither 

 roof of mouth nor tongue can be injured. The doctrine 

 advocated by at least one eminent writer, that every horse 

 should have a bit exactly fitting his mouth, is particularly 

 applicable in the curb.' As I am only laying down gen- 

 eral rules, cannot expect to be thus particular. Having 

 written all I conceive necessary on the subject, it only 

 remains for rny reader to accommodate himself to his 

 saddle, bridle, and horse, and with regular daily practice 

 and determination on his part to be a good rider, he will 

 make one. Now, having said all my say to him, if my 

 lady readers will give me their attention I will devote a 

 short time to them. 



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