58 THE BRIDLE BITS. 



and bridoon bits be used at the same time, for that is 

 contrary to common sense and the first principles of the 

 arts and science of horsemanship. Yet, this error is a 

 common practice. 



Wlien the bridoon rein is ti2:ht the curb rein should 

 be about three inches longer, so that, should the bridoon 

 be suddenly drawn tighter, the curb rein will be free ; and 

 when the curb is needed, with the thumb and fore-finger 

 of the whip hand draw the curb rein through the fingers 

 of the left hand till it is about two inches shorter than 

 the bridoon rein (fig. 19). The horse is now on the curb, 

 his head is gathered, and he is light in hand and ready 

 for instant obedience and action. 



To drop the curb rein and resume the bridoon, the 

 bridoon rein is drawn through the fingers of the left 

 hand by the two fore-fingers and thumb of the whip 

 hand ; the curb rein is then allowed to slip through the 

 fingers till it is slack and the jiressure is felt on the 

 bridoon rein asfain. The horse now^ knows he is to re- 

 sume his walk or trot, and takes his head. In cantering, 

 the curb rein is taken up to gather the horse's head and 

 to make him go lighter in hand. We cannot too urgently 

 impress the reader with the fact that the great pleasure 

 derived from riding is, in having a well-mouthed horse, 

 a perfect knowledge and command of the bridle and bits, 

 and the same bits and bridle, without a change, used at 

 all times, with the same horse. 



Althousfh we like the Pelham bit and bridle for the 

 side saddle, yet for the safety of the horsewoman we 

 would prefer the bit-and-bridoon — fearing accidents to 

 the bit and rein. Three accidents are possible to the 

 Pelham bridle : The bit, rein or curb might break ; there 

 is then no alternative, but a clean runaway in the 

 absence of moral control and ** trust to luck." All 

 horses' mouths are not made to order, and the same bit, 

 bridle and saddle should be used, so that the horse will 



