THE LEVER, THE BIT AND CURB, ETC. 195 



to the slovenly way of shuffling along close to the 

 ground, which horses ridden altogether on the bridoon 

 acquire, that these are owing. As to the other class of 

 would-be riders, it will perhaps be better for them to 

 take to the snaffle exclusively, if they do not prefer 

 a Pelham, which we, however, do not recommend. 



The bridoon being, as we have said, an aid, or " a 

 second string to the bow," should never interfere with 

 the bit ; therefore it should be neither thick nor so 

 absurdly long as it sometimes is ; and instead of hanging 

 down in the horse's mouth so as to impede the action of 

 the bit, it should be drawn up so as to fit lightly into 

 the angles of the lips without disturbing the natural 

 position of the latter : here it will be out of the way, and 

 still perfectly available when needed. 



To conclude, lightness, accuracy, easy motion, a total 

 absence of stiffness, constraint, or painful action, are 

 the characteristics of good bitting ; and if these be attained, 

 ready obedience to the rider's hand and heel will be the 

 result. 



BITS FOR HARNESS. 



The same rules are applicable to bits to be used with 

 harness as to those used for saddle-horses. There can- 

 not possibly exist any reason for adopting a different 

 principle than that of making the bit, of whatever kind 

 or pattern it may be, to fit exactly the horse's mouth ; 

 and moreover, it should be carefully adjusted to that 

 part of the mouth already pointed out. No doubt 

 somewhat larger-sized bits will be sometimes required, 

 because carriage-horses are frequently larger, and per- 

 haps, too, coarser, in some respects than saddle-horses ; 



