18 THE BRIDLE BITS. 



headstall and two reins, and. is therefore double-reined. 

 But the bridle Avitli two bits, two headstalls and two 

 reins, like the bit and bridoon, is a double bridle in 

 three respects. It is customary to call the bit and bri- 

 doon a double-reined bridle, but as it has three distinct 

 sets we consider it a double bridle. 



In referring to the bits or bridles we will designate 

 each name or number, as may be convenient. These 

 are the great and ordinary bits of the world, and 

 although they are used in different ways, both double 

 and sinorle, and additions are made to render them 

 stronger, more secure or ornamental, to suit the fancy 

 and special cases, they all answer the same purpose, that 

 of controlling the horse according to his peculiar dispo- 

 sition and the seryice required of him. As a general 

 rule, horses that require bits of extraordinary j^ower or 

 severity are either naturally vicious or headstrong, or 

 were spoiled in breaking, the latter being the most pro- 

 lific cause. 



As we cannot satisfactorily describe a bit without de- 

 scribing its peculiar uses and effects upon the horse, we 

 must allude to training, riding, driving and horseman- 

 ship, and the advantages of skill and proficiency in 

 handling the reins, and shall begin with 



THE MOUTHIXG BIT. 



This is the first and only bit that should be used with 

 a young horse during his first year's training or breaking 

 into the use of the bit, in any shape for riding or driving, 

 or until he is put to his future employment, be that the 

 saddle or harness. In breaking in a young horse the 

 evil most to be feared is the chafins: or cuttins^ of the 

 corners of his mouth by the pressure of a bad bit — bad 

 for the purpose of mouthing. The regular mouthing bit, 

 represented on page 16, is a large-sized, clumsy snaffle, 

 with one joint in the center between the bars. The bars 



