t I 



to press against the ears, pulling them forward, and so 

 allow the ivinkers to drop, adding considerably to the risk 

 of the horse slipping the bridle, particularly if it be given 

 to throwing its head about. Where winkers are used 

 they should carry or hang exactly opposite the eyes, 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, or monograms, 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 best and safest for general purposes, 

 and driving in particular, is the guard bit, 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 Liverpool, 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 perfectly loose affords plenty of 

 occupation and amusement for restive horses while standing 

 at doors in the street, their whole attention appears to be 

 centred in playing with and manipulating the mouth-piece, 

 which means safety and 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." The curb requires con- 

 siderable 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. 



The Reins are applied or fixed when the bridle 

 and other parts are satisfactory, the billetts being run 



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