BRIDLES. 127 



The curb bit, though used in the time of the Eoman 

 emperors (in an ancient sculpture Theodosius is repre- 

 sented riding with one of extraordinary leverage), was 

 not adopted by the English until Charles I. in the 

 third year of his reign issued a proclamation, com- 

 manding that no person serving in the cavalry should 

 use the snaffle, but in lieu thereof the curb only. 



On the frieze of the Temple of Minerva, in the Acro- 

 polis of Athens, the horses are represented as ridden (as 

 in the races through the Strada Eeale in Malta they are 

 still ridden) without bridles or saddles. 



The best bridle for a horse is, of course, that which 

 is best adapted to the particular work he is required to 

 perform. 



For racing over turf, where he is required to extend 

 himself like a greyhound, the snaffle-bit only is almost 

 invariably selected. 



For cavalry purposes, where he is required suddenly 

 to throw himself on his haunches, wheel to either side, 

 or right about, the curb-bit is added; while by the 

 Turks and those Asiatics who practise their horses to 

 approach a wall at full speed, stop, turn round, and then 

 gallop back again, a curb-bit only is used. 



For hunting, both bits are necessary ; for while across 

 turf, light soil, and over fences of almost every descrip- 

 tion, the snaffle is a safer guide than the curb-bit, yet 



