70 METHODS OF SUBJECTION. 



"W," OR Breaking Bit. 



The Breaking Bit is one of the most simple and effectr 

 ive means of making a hard, unmanageable mouth flexible 

 to the restraint of the bit that I know of. It has been the 

 growth of many years' practice, and as will be noticed in 

 other parts of this w^ork, some of my greatest feats in the 

 control of headstrong, runaway horses were accomplished 

 by means of it. It is not a bit for driving, though it may 

 in some cases be used as such. The secret of its success 

 is not so much in the bit as in the manner of using it, which 



Fig. 69. — W, or Breaking Bit. Half size. 



in principle is practically the same as that given for the 

 War Bridle. As explained in the use of the cord, there 

 may be at first the most determined resistance to it; but 

 by repetition of the treatment the horse will in a short 

 time not only cease resisting, but will follow anywhere. 

 The impression made in this way is never forgotten, and 

 the horse will afterward lead by the merest restraint of the 

 halter. 



In the same manner when there is at first an effort with 

 this bit to control or force the submission of a headstrong 

 horse, there may be at first the most desperate resistance 

 to it ; but by repetition of the treatment there will in a 

 short time be such complete submission to it that the horse 

 can be held or controlled afterward, even under the great- 



