14 ABOUT THE BRIDLE. 



formation of some horse's mouths differ a great deal. I 

 have simply written down the general rule to go by, 

 which will answer in most cases, but not in all. The 

 lower the bit is placed, the more severe it is. Great care 

 must be taken that the width of the mouth piece is neith- 

 er too wide nor too narrow for the horse's mouth, or it 

 will injure the horse, and bad results will come from it. 

 Sometimes the bit is placed very high in the horse's mouth, 

 so it will be as well to look at your bridle and saddle 

 before mounting, and see that every thing is in perfect 

 order. 



The correct place for the curb chain is in the chin 

 groove, and when properly adjusted one should always be 

 able to place the first and second fingers under it. The 

 chain should lie smoothly, without any twist in it, and 

 care should be taken not to place the chain. too high, that 

 is on the cheek bones, for it will not only annoy the horse, 

 but will make him thrust out his nose, instead of bringing 



