BITS AND BRIDLES. 137 



mouth, and from time to time take a sharp pull at the 

 curb. 



nANOVERIAX-BIT. 



It is of great importance, especially with a high- 

 spirited horse, that the headpiece should fit him, that 

 it is neither too tight nor too low down in his mouth. 

 Grooms are often very careless in these matters. I 

 have known a violently restive horse to become per- 

 fectly calm and docile when his bridle had been altered 

 so as to. fit him comfortably. There should be room for 

 at least one finger between the curb-chain and the chin. 

 If the horse is tender-skinned, the chain may be covered 

 with leather. 



When you are learning to ride, you should at the 

 same time take pains to learn everything concerning 

 the horse and his equipments. In this country we are 

 so well waited upon, that we often forget that we may 

 at some time or other be obliged to become our own 

 grooms and farriers. 



For the colonies, the best bridle is that described in 



