Adapting to the Bit 59 



mal, they should never be used on nervous horses 

 that champ the straight bit. Occasionally the 

 mouth of a nervous horse is spoiled by the use of 

 the key-bit. In case the horse refuses to champ the 

 bit and the key-bit is used, its usefulness may be 

 increased by smearing the keys and mouthpiece 

 with honey or other sweets, as such materials en- 

 courage the horse to lick and champ the bit. 



When placing the bit in the horse's mouth for the 

 first time, carefully lift the bridle with the left hand 

 until it is above the eyes, then pass the right hand 

 over the animal's head, quietly lift the poll-piece 

 and place the bridle in position. At the same time 

 open the horse's mouth slightly by pressing the bars 

 under the lower lip with the thumb and forefinger 

 of the left hand and guide the bit into the mouth. 

 If the horse refuses to open his mouth, insert the 

 fingers of the left hand into the mouth and tickle 

 the roof. The bit will then slip into the mouth, 

 and it should be arranged so as to lie on the bars. 



The adjustment of the bridle and the length of 

 the bit are important. The length of the head- 

 stall must be adjusted so as to bring the bit in mild 

 contact with the bars of the mouth. If the head- 

 stall is too short, the bit is drawn up into the mouth 

 too far and the bars as well as the corners of the 

 mouth soon become sore and the animal may be- 

 come vicious ; on the other hand, if too long, the bit 

 drops in the mouth, and the animal becomes care- 



