Bits Described 321 



As a matter of fact, a smooth, good-sized straight 

 bit sHghtly enlarged at the ends near the rings or 

 covered with rubber or leather cannot be improved 

 upon in most cases. It is essential that the straight 

 bit be of proper length for the horse's mouth. It is 

 not uncommon to observe a bit of this type that is 

 too long for the animal (p. 60). One important 

 matter that must always be taken into account when 

 fitting the straight bit is that the jaws of some horses 

 are much narrower than those of others. The bit, 

 therefore, should be of correct length for the partic- 

 ular horse in hand and properly adjusted. 



For animals with very tender mouths, the straight 

 bar is often covered with leather or rubber (Fig. 94, 

 4, 7 and 8). To make the bit still more mild, often- 

 times the rubber surrounds a chain instead of a bar, 

 thus making a very yielding bit (Fig. 94, 4). Not 

 only are bits of this type used on animals with tender 

 mouths, but they are very efficient in overcoming 

 some bad habits, such as lugging (p. 281). 



The jointed or snaffle bit is one with a jointed 

 mouth-piece and also without lever action (Fig. 94, 17 

 to 31). Like the bar bit, the jointed bit is sometimes 

 made with cheek-pieces (Fig. 94, 17 and 18), and 

 sometimes without (Fig. 94, 19 and 20). With this 

 form of bit there is a minimum amount of pressure 

 on the tongue and a maximum amount on the bars 

 of the horse's mouth. This is a very useful type 

 of bit, and many horses work more agreeably with 



