60 Centaur ; 



tlie bridle, particularly if it be given to throwing its head 

 about, which the pain will actually cause. Where winkers 

 are used they should carry or hang their centre exactly 

 opposite the eyps, and, if ornaments are worn, care should 

 be taken that they be put on before the winkers are made or 

 sewn in the cheeks. In fixing the crests, monograms, or 

 ornaments after the bridle is made up, there is risk of the 

 legs or wires sticking out and touching the eye from the 

 winker lining. 



The Bit. — The name, make, and pattern of bits are legion. 

 The best and safest bit for general purposes, and driving in 

 particular, is the ^^ guard hlt^^ it having no bar at the bottom, 

 cannot catch over gates or posts ; and the best guard bit is 

 the " revolving mouth,'' being far preferable to the " Liver- 

 pool," or " slide mouth." The revolving mouth cannot be 

 held in the teeth against a jerk of the reins, in the event of 

 the horse running away ; and it is very easy and humane in 

 its action, and extra leverage can be applied the instant it is 

 required. The term has many times been used by horse- 

 owners, in reference to the smooth revolving bar of this bit, 

 that it will ''mouth a colt;" at all events, its being per- 

 fectly loose affords plenty of occupation and amusement for 

 restive horses while standing in the street, their whole at- 

 tention appearing to be centred in playing with or mani- 

 pulating the mouth-piece, which means safety, confidence, 

 and ease of mind on the part of the occupants of the carriage 

 or other vehicle, and the conscience of the driver is perfectly 

 clear of the use of the brutal " high-port." In selecting the 

 bit, the first consideration is the horse; second, the class of 

 bridle to be worn ; third, that the desired end be achieved 

 without pain. The curb requires considerable judgment and 

 feeling in its application. It should never be worn tight, 

 and, where applicable, as in the case of light-mouthed horses, 

 may be abandoned altogether. Some curbs are lined with 

 chamois, padded, and these answer very well where curbs are 

 required for gentle use. Of course there are numerous makes 

 and patterns of bits, for all uses, both for riding and driving, 

 ancient and modern (see illustrations), which the Author can- 

 not detail here for want of space, but he will be very pleased 

 to send his complete list at any time on application. 



The Reins are applied, or fixed, when the bridle and 

 other parts are satisfactory, the billets being run through the 

 near and off-side territts and hame dees, and attached to the 

 bit. Several kinds and makes are introduced by manufac- 

 turers, viz. : — fiat reins, with brown hand-parts and the rest 



