262 



Fig. 32.— Snaffle Bit. 



at his fences with much greater command than with, 



for instance, the plain bar-snaffle (Fig. 32). If the 



horse has a Hght, tender mouth, the rider can ride 



him with the major part of the 

 weight on the snaffle rein ; 

 whilst, on the other hand, if his 

 mouth is hard and stubborn, he 

 can ride him with the greater 

 pressure on the curb rein. This 

 is easily managed by simply 



drawing the rein, on which it is intended to ride 



the horse, up through the fingers, 



as fully described in a former chap- 

 ter. If the reins are properly held 



no difficulty will be experienced in 



riding almost any kind of horse 



with a double bridle with ease and 



safety. The curb should not be 



drawn too tightly, and it should 



be held in its proper place by a light leather strap 



(Fig. 33). 



EVILS OF THE MARTINGALE. 



The martingale should never be seen in the hunt- 

 ing-field, unless absolutely necessary. Ordinarily, it 

 is a dangerous piece of gear, whilst, at the same time, 

 it spoils the gait and general appearance of the horse. 

 It retards his fore action, and with over-harnessing 

 about the neck and chest, his neck is made to appear 

 shorter than it actually is, which imparts to the hunter 



Fig. 33.— Double Bit. 



