202 HOW WOMEN SHOULD RIDE 



must be hooked when quite flat on the 

 chin -groove, but not tight enough, un- 

 less used vigorously, to inconvenience 

 the horse. The lip -strap should pass 

 through the small ring attached to the 

 curb-chain, thus keeping it in place. I 

 like a bridle with buckles, or billets as 

 they are called, rather than one which 

 is stitched to the rings. In the first 

 place, it is frequently desirable to change 

 the bits, especially in a large stable, and 

 being sewed would necessitate a bridle 

 for each bit. Furthermore, when the 

 bits are washed, the leather gets wet, 

 and the stitching is apt to become 

 rotten, and unexpectedly give way at 

 a critical moment, when some unusual 

 strain is put on it. 



A noseband furnishes additional con- 

 trol over a horse ; but it should not be 



attached to the bridle, or it may 

 Noseband . 



interfere with the action of the 



