2O ROAD, PARK, AND SCHOOL 



the pull upon the reins, and the only advantage 

 such a bit has over a snaffle is that the power will 

 always be applied in the right place. As the 

 branches are lengthened, the power of the bit is 

 increased. But as it should be the intention of the 

 rider to teach the horse to yield to the slightest 

 touches of the hand, he should not depend too much 

 upon the power of his bit. If the branches are 

 four and a half inches long, the bit will be powerful 

 enough to teach the horse to yield the jaw, and yet 

 be not too severe for ordinary riding. But every 

 horse should be ridden in the bit that best suits 

 it, and nothing but trials will show what that bit 

 may be. 



The curb chain should lie in the groove under the 

 jaw of the horse, fitting closely, but not so as to pinch 

 the horse before the reins are drawn. The curb 

 chain should not be loosened or tightened to give a 

 mild or a severe effect to the bit : but the branches 

 should be altered to meet the case. 



No double bit will supply the place of the curb 

 and snaffle bits ; and no martingales should be used, 

 as they prohibit a light hand, and interfere with 

 the action of the bits. 



