82 THE EXTERIOR OF THE HORSE. 



the remedy for which is apparent. The subjects presenting these 

 lesions are poorly nourished, their mastication is incomplete, and fre- 

 quently food accumulates between the. molar arcades and the internal 

 face of the cheeks, producing a peculiar distention (granary) on the 

 exterior, which we have previously described. 



Method of Action of the Bit. The bit should be considered 

 as a check which arrests, as a power which masters, and, above all, as 

 a means of communication between the horse and he who directs 

 him. The physical impression which it causes varies from the slightest 

 sensation to the most intense pain. 



If the intensity of its effect is not properly measured with the 

 degree of sensibility and the intelligence of the subject, it produces 

 effects opposite to those which are desired ; it provokes an energetic 

 and often stubborn defence, in which the man is not always victorious, 

 and which may not be without danger to his person. If, on the 

 contrary, the mechanical effect of the bit be in proportion to the sensi- 

 tiveness of the mouth, so as to be a simple indication for the horse to 

 surmise what is required of him, and, if necessary, to teach him by the 

 pain that he must obey a will superior to his own, then it becomes a 

 means of education entirely rational and utilized in his dressing for 

 various purposes. It becomes an intermediary agent between two in- 

 telligences whose communication is thus possible. It translates ideas 

 and information from the language of the master into that of his ser- 

 vant ; and, little by little, the latter will comprehend this language, 

 although it varies according to the purpose for which the animal is 

 employed, as the saddle, light carriage, or heavy traction. It is im- 

 portant that the dressing should begin early and under a patient, 

 firm, able, and experienced master. 



The bitting is the name given to the method by which the bit is 

 most conveniently adjusted to the mouth of the horse. 



CHAPTER V. 



POSTERIOR EXTREMITY OF THE HEAD. 



THE posterior extremity of the head comprises three regions, 

 of which one, serving to unite the head with the neck, is double. They 

 are : the poll or nape, the parotid region, and the throat. 



