SADDLES AND BRIDLES 223 



bridles, for without it, the leverage of the bit is lost.* 

 The links of the curb-chain should be large, smooth, 

 and flat, and about one-quarter inch in width, so that 

 it will not hurt a horse's skin as a thin one might. The 

 more numerous the links the smoother the curb will 

 lie, and will consequently be less severe on the mouth 

 than a more open, or twisted chain. The chain should 

 never be so tight as to gall or bruise the horse, for this 

 will cause him to throw his head about and pull, nor 

 should it be so loose as to slip over his chin. 



The simplest form of double bridle is the one with a 

 plain or jointed bridoon, in conjunction with a Wey- 

 mouth bit having a straight-bar mouthpiece, or one 

 with a slight bend, such as the Mullen or Cambridge 

 form of port. This bridle often is called the Ward 

 Union bridle. Although I do not go so far as to say 

 that if you can't hold a horse in this you will never 

 hold him in any bridle, nevertheless it serves all or- 

 dinary purposes. 



The only legitimate way of increasing the severity 

 of the bit is by lengthening the cheeks, tightening the 

 curb-chain, or by using a twisted or gag snaffle in con- 

 junction with it. Bits with very high-jointed ports, 

 such as the Stanstead and Segundo bits, although 

 useful in the hands of the experienced on pullers, are 

 best left alone, f 



The Pelham is a combination of a bit and bridoon 

 all in one, and can act as either, according to the de- 



* For horses with very sensitive mouths, the curb-chain may be 

 covered with a rubber tubing or leather guard, or the chain itself may 

 be substituted by a leather strap. On the other hand, on pullers, the 

 severity of the chain may be increased by roughing it — untwisting six 

 or more links. 



t Such bits as the Sawbit and the Mohawk are instruments of tor- 

 ture and relics of the dark ages. 



