Kinds of Bits 319 



Such is not the case, for no matter what kind of 

 bit is used it cannot act as a substitute for effective 

 training. 



Because of the feeling that any defect, whim or vice 

 may be overcome by the use of the proper bit, many 

 types have been devised to meet the various and 

 pecuhar habits of horses, most of which have been 

 designated to punish the horse and irritate the sensi- 

 tive parts, thus defeating the object they were de- 

 vised to accomphsh. The horse soon learns that by 

 constant pulling the resulting pain gradually be- 

 comes less, due to the parts becoming numbed, and 

 as a result the animal develops a hard mouth lacking 

 in sensitiveness. If the bit is to remain effective in 

 horse training, it is essential that the bars of the 

 mouth retain their natural sensitiveness.; that the 

 bit be an easy and light one, and that it be handled 

 with care. 



The several makes of bits may be classified in 

 two ways : first according to their form, such as 

 straight bar, jointed, and curb ; and second, accord- 

 ing to their function, as mild, medium and severe. 

 The straight bar bit is one with a solid mouth-piece 

 and without lever action (Fig. 94, 1 to 8). It is 

 sometimes made with cheek-pieces (Fig. 94, 2 and 

 4), and sometimes without (Fig. 94, 1 and 3). With 

 this form of bit there is a minimum amount of pres- 

 sure on the bars of the horse's mouth and a maximum 

 on the tongue. This is the mildest form of bit. 



