Mouthing Whims 279 



leather, about two and one half inches wide and four 

 inches long, over the flat place. The flat place in the 

 bit prevents the leather from turning, which makes a 

 very good tongue-lolling bit. Now take two circular 

 pieces of leather about three inches in diameter and 

 attach to the bit ring on either end, thus preventing 

 the horse from protruding the tongue at the sides. 



Striking lips. — Certain horses have the habit of 

 continually moving the lower lip in such a way as 

 to cause it to strike against the upper lip. Sometimes 

 this is done with sufficient force to make a character- 

 istic noise. The cause which tends to produce it is 

 lack of proper training in permitting the horse to 

 fight or play with the bit. While the habit is not 

 as dangerous as tongue-lolling, it is very unpleasant 

 to drive or ride such a horse. To prevent the habit, 

 make a lip-strap conforming to the lower lip and 

 chin, and attach this to the bit in such a way as to 

 limit the descending movements of the lower lip. 



Grasping bit. — The habit of seizing the bit between 

 the teeth or with the lower lip is quite common. 

 This is rather dangerous since, when the bit is so held 

 by the horse, it is not possible to control his action. 

 The habit is usually caused by improper methods of 

 bitting, the horse grasping the bit to gain relief from 

 unnecessary pain. Usually a light jerk of the rein 

 will compel him to let go, but when the habit is 

 confirmed, other methods must be employed. It is 

 on horses of this class that the curb bit is permissible. 



