68 ROAD, PARK, AND SCHOOL 



CHAPTER IV. IN THE SNAFFLE BIT. 



THE training given to the horse in the snaffle bit 

 is of the highest importance, and the grace and 

 lightness with which the horse will afterwards move 

 in the double bridle will depend upon the thorough- 

 ness with which these elementary lessons have been 

 followed. 



The snaffle is an excellent bit for a bad rider, 

 because with it he can do but little harm. Skilfully 

 used by a good horseman it is very effective. But 

 for general use it does not supply the place of the 

 curb bit, and it has a tendency to impair the light- 

 ness of the rider's hands, and to induce the horse 

 to hang upon the reins. 



To obtain the best results in training, it is abso- 

 lutely necessary to have the effects of both the curb 

 bit and the snaffle. 



At first, however, we should put the horse in the 

 snaffle, to teach the animal the direct indications of 

 the bit ; and, as soon as the horse is well grounded 

 in the lessons appointed for that purpose, we should 



