ABOUT THE liRlDLE. 13 



is to run the noseband through the curb headstall, with 

 the snaffle headstall passing- on the outside. 



The snaffle I will call the acting bit. The curb bit, 1 

 think it will be well to term the lever or balance bit. I 

 will now speak about each bit separately. The snaffle 

 is the upper bit, with a round ring on each side, and when 

 rightly placed in the horse's mouth, should fit easy with- 

 out gagging, and it comes much more in use for a begin- 

 ner than the curb does. If you wish the horse to walk 



out freely, use the snaffle, use the snaffle to trot a horse, 

 and use the snaffle when you jump a horse as well as the 

 curb, and above all, in the latter case, use your best 

 judgment. Now I come to the curb bit. The bit, when 

 properly placed in the horse's mouth, should be one inch 

 above the lower tusk, and in a mare's, two inches above 

 the mark. Sometimes it will be necessary to have the 

 bit or mouthpiece a trifle higher or lower, as the con- 



