CHAPTER I. 



THE UNION AND BALANCE OF THE FORCES. IN 



HAND, THE UNION, THE HALF-HALT. 



FROM this time forth the complete double- 

 reined bridle should be used, the curb-chain 

 so arranged that it will fit into the chin groove 

 without pinching, and yet not so loose that 

 the effect of the lever is diminished. The curb- 

 chain should never be changed to give a lighter 

 or a stronger effect to the bit ; but any desired 

 changes in the powers of the curb-bit should be 

 by the use of long or short branches. For the 

 ordinary purposes with horses of normal jaw^s 

 a bit W'ith branches measuring four and one- 

 half inches from the middle of the mouth-piece 

 to the fitting of the lower ring should be found 

 to answer. 



The curb-bit is a lever which acts upon the 

 bare bars of the lower jaw^ of the horse, and 

 gives the rider greater powder in certain ways 

 over the animal than the snaffle, which does 



