136 Training the Trotter, Coacher and Roadster 



is important that we scrutinize the mouth, as there 

 is much variation in shape and in the natural 

 sensitiveness among individuals. Some horses pos- 

 sess small tongues and rather narrow sharp bars, 

 which are very sensitive to pressure and call for 

 much care in training to the pressure of the bit. 

 Because of the extreme tenderness, such a mouth is 

 easily spoiled, whereas if properly trained to pres- 

 sure it is likely to develop into a delightfully re- 

 sponsive one. On the other hand, there are horses 

 that possess thick, leathery tongues and heavy, 

 coarse bars which are very difficult to make respon- 

 sive, owing to their lack of sensitiveness. A close 

 examination of the mouth, therefore, will give some 

 idea of the method to employ in bitting to improve 

 action. 



After familiarizing the coach horse with the uses 

 of the bit by employing an easy bit much as sug- 

 gested (p. 57), he should then be educated to the 

 curb-bit. Instead of using common lines, as has been 

 suggested, many prefer long ones, so they can re- 

 main near the center of the training paddock while 

 driving the horse around, as this gives a better view 

 of the action and saves many steps. The curb-bit 

 is made so as to divide the pressure between the in- 

 side and the outside of the mouth, the chain under 

 the lower jaw exerting pressure in such a way as 

 to bend the head on the neck, or rather bend the 

 nose in. By holding the horse's head up with an 



