Combination ' Mild and Severe Bits 



323 



%'S 



is needed. Because of this, several attempts have 

 been made to construct a bit that can be variously 

 applied, so as to form either a mild or severe bit as 

 desired (Fig. 94, 9, 10, 11, 12, 22, 23 and 30). Per- 

 haps the Beery bit furnishes as good an illustration 

 of this principle as any. This bit can be applied 

 in four ways : As a 

 very mild and easy 

 bit (Fig. 95, 1) ; as 

 a most powerful bit 

 (Fig. 95, 2); as a 

 very severe bit (Fig. 

 95, 3) and as a bit to 

 cure the side-reining 

 horse (Fig. 95, 4). 



Curb bits are 

 made in a number 

 of styles, but each 

 bit consists prima- 

 rily of a solid mouth- 

 piece connecting 

 two cheek-pieces 



(Fig. 94, 31 to 36). The mouth-piece may be straight 

 or curved, the more common form having an upward 

 curve at the center (Fig. 94, 31 to 33). This bit is 

 often used with the curb chain or strap which extends 

 from one side around to the other beneath the lower 

 jaw. When the curb chain is used, a lever action is 

 obtained, the efficiency of which depends on the man- 



FiG. 95. — Beery bit. 1, Easy ; 2, Powerful ; 

 3, Very severe ; 4< Side reining. 



