122 



THE BRIDLE BITS. 



CHAPTER XVII. 



THE CARRIAGE BIT-AND-BRIDOON. 



There are several styles of the carriage bit, but all tend 

 to operate in the same way for ihe same purpose with 

 more or less effect. Each bit (as illustrated in fig. 52) is 

 made with different degrees of power in itself while oper- 

 ating together. By having the reins buckled on the 



Fig. 52. — CARRIAGE BIT-AND-BRIDOON. 



upper or lower slot in the guards the severity of the curb 

 is regulated to suit the mouth. The arch in the bar is 

 more for the play of the tongue than for action on the 

 palate, as shown in the cavalry bit. But the tendency 

 now is to use this bit on the carriage horse with a i)lain 

 bar without the arch or lever, which, being so slight, lias 

 no power. When the bridoon is used with this bit the 

 check rein is put on the bridoon, and thus the bit is 

 relieved of so many contrary actions, as represented in 

 the carriage bit on the Pelham plan. This bridoon bit 

 is used on the carriage horse with a check rein only, and 

 is not used in any way in guiding the horse. 



