SADDLERY AND HARNESS. 



519 



gentleman's saddle, although they have not been discarded by eques- 

 trians of the gentler sex. 



BITS USUALLY ATTACHED TO LADIES' BRIDLES. 



BUCKLED AND SEWN ON, 



The bits which accompany the ladies' bridle are more fanciful in 

 shape, and more ornamental in appearance, though hardly so heavy as 

 the articles manufactured for the use of gentle- 

 men, because the generality of ladies seldom 

 resort to this instrument of positive torture : 

 indeed, these severities seem to be losing their 

 attractions over the harsher natures. Many 

 men, however, employ them; most regard a 

 bridle as incomplete without a bit; but very 

 few are so fond of the restraint as to order it 

 to be sewn to the head piece. 



A bit permanently attached certainly appears lighter, and necessitates 

 the employment of less obvious force, though at the same time it must be 

 more acute when in operation. Nevertheless, it is to be doubted whether 

 one foot passenger out of ten thousand would notice the only peculiarity 

 for which such an arrangement is to be commended. Moreover, every 

 animal does not require the exertion of extraordinary power ; while the 

 irremovable character of the bit is not without attendant disadvantages. 

 The article can no longer be changed at pleasure. A rider may grow 

 to dislike the constant employment of one form of coercion. The ani- 

 mal's education may not need the perpetuation of such severity; the 

 temper may improve, or the steed may accommodate itself to the per- 

 sonal peculiarities of its proprietor; or the quadruped's mood may 

 change, for horses, like their masters, are swayed by strange influences, 

 and are sometimes impelled by eccentric impulses. 



"When the metal has to be washed, cleaned, and polished, should the 

 bit be sewn to the head piece, the leather cannot be removed during the 

 processes. Water is not beneficial to a leathern material ; therefore the 

 bit must either be imperfectly renovated, or the head piece must be 



