HORSES TO JUMP 87 



to the rider's hand will pull and set his 



jaw. 



From time to time there has been considerable 



discussion as to the relative length of the upper 



and lower branches of the curb bit. It is 



generally considered for the average hunter the 



upper branch should be if in. from the bearing 



of the curb chain to the mouthpiece with the 



normal cheek or lower branch of 3^ in. To 



increase severity the lower branch is lengthened. 



The important point about the upper branch is 



that it should be of such a length that when 



the bit is correctly placed in the horse's mouth 



the curb chain will rest and remain in the chin 



groove. 



The careful fitting of bits on young horses is 



most important, though often neglected. 



(i) The snaffle should just touch the corners of 



the mouth. 



(2) The bar of the bit should normally lay mid- 

 way between the corner teeth and the corners 

 of the mouth, and should be level on both sides. 



(3) The curb chain must come quite flat into 

 the chin groove when the bit reins are felt. 

 Carelessness or hastiness in putting on a bridle 

 is no doubt the reason for one finding curb 

 chains put on incorrectly. If one was to 

 examine all the horses out hunting in a large 



M 



