RIDING AND TRAINING. 95 



CHAPTER IX. THE DOUBLE-REINED BRIDLE. 



FLEXIONS OF THE JA W AND NECK THE 

 HEIGHT OF THE HEAD. 



THE foundations of its education having been laid 

 in the snaffle bit, the horse will now be exercised 

 in the curb bit, in order that it may be taught a 

 prompt and exact obedience. 



The jaw, the head, and the neck of the horse 

 must become so supple and submissive that they 

 will yield to the slightest demand of the reins, 

 and beyond a fugitive touch, when an indication 

 is given, the bit must find no resistance. 



The horse having been put in the double-reined 

 bridle, the trainer will, for the first exercise, remove 

 the curb chain. He will then, standing at the 

 head on the near side, pass the snaffle reins over 

 the head of the horse, and grasp them in his left 

 hand, held a few inches in front of the animal's 

 nose. With his right hand under the chin of the 

 horse, he will take the two curb reins at even lengths 

 about three or four inches from the branches. With 



