60 Training the Work Horse 



less. The bit should be of proper length for the 

 horse. If it is too long it will pull through the 

 mouth so that the pressure will not be equal on 

 either bar and the horse may become confused 

 (p. 321). 



The bitting-harness. — The horse can usually be 

 made familiar with the uses of the bit by the appli- 

 cation of the bitting-harness. This harness con- 

 sists of an open bridle with a large, smooth, guarded 

 bit and check-rein, surcingle and crupper and two 

 side lines running from the bit to rings on either 

 side of the surcingle (Fig. 8). If the horse is of a 

 nervous disposition, it will often allay his fear to 

 permit him to smell and feel this harness before 

 placing it on his back (Fig. 13). Arrange the har- 

 ness with much care. 



With the bitting-harness properly adjusted, turn 

 the horse into the training paddock to familiarize 

 himself with the bit. The check and side-reins should 

 be left slack at first. During the first few lessons 

 the bit should not be retained in the animal's mouth 

 for more than half an hour at a time. He may be 

 given two or perhaps three lessons a day. Subse- 

 quently the lessons may be longer. Gradually from 

 day to day the reins should be shortened, care being 

 taken that they are never made so short as to place 

 the head in an uncomfortable position, or draw the 

 bit so tightly as to make the corners of the mouth 

 sore. The number of lessons necessary to familiarize 



