HORSE SENSE. Ill 



BRIDLE BITS FOR DIFFERENT HORSES. 



A multitude of diffcretit bits have been devised for the control of 

 the various and peculiar habits of our horses, most of which have been 

 designed to punish and irritate the sensitive and responsive medium of 

 communication between the driver and the faithful horse. 



Cut No. 46. 

 STRAIGHT BAR-BIT. 



Probably the straight bar-bit will come nearer being acceptable to the 

 majority of horses than any other style of bit. One special feature of 

 the straight bar-bit is to get one just the right length for the horse's 

 mouth. A great many of these bits in use are too long, and occasion- 

 ally we find one that is too short. The bit should be smooth and swelled 

 at the ends, as shown in Cut No. 46 — and they should always be kept 

 clean. 



Cut No. 47. 

 JOINTED OR SNAFFLE-BIT. 



Some horses work more agreeably in this character of bit than any 

 other. It gives more room for the tongue and the pressure is more 

 on the jaws of the mouth than with the straight bit. Cut No. 47 repre- 

 sents a very good pattern and one that many horses prefer to others. 

 SEVERE BITS OFTEN INCREASE THE DIFFICULTY. 



Punishment bits are intended to overcome the mischief already done 

 by some bungling, unthinking, unfeeling and careless handler; but we 

 are sorry to say that, as a rule, they result in making a bad matter 

 worse. 



THE HORSE BETWEEN TWO FIRES. 



With the punishment by the whip at the rear end of the animal, and 

 a harsh and mutilating bit at the front end. tlie liorse is between two 

 fires; and if he docs not balk, rear, plunge, and run away, it is a wonder. 



