374 THE HOESE. 



too low in proportion to the withers ; such are the true causes 

 of resistances. The contraction of the neck, the closing of the 

 jaws, are only the effects ; and as to the bars, they are only 

 there Jto sho^v the ignorance of self-styled equestrian theoricians. 

 By suppling the neck and the jaw, this hardness completely dis- 

 ui)])ears. Experiments, a hundred times repeated, give me the 

 nglit to advance this principle boldly ; perhaps it may, at first, 

 appear too arbitrary ; but it is none the less true. 



Consequently, I only allow one kind of bit, and this is the 

 form and the dimensions I give it, to make it as simple as it is 

 easy. 



The arms straight and six inches long, measuring fj-om the 

 eye of the bit to the extremity of the branch ; circumference of 

 the bit two inches and a half; port, about two inches wide at 

 the bottom, and one inch at the toj). The only variation to be 

 in the width of the bit, according to the horse's mouth. 



I insist that such a bit is sufficient to render passively obe- 

 dient all horses which have been prepared by supplings ; and I 

 need not add that, as I deny the utility of severe bits, I reject 

 all means not coming directly from the rider, such as martin- 



CONTINUATION OF PKACTISINGS TO PRODUCE SUPPLENESS. 



In order to guide the horse, the rider acts directly on two 

 of his parts ; the fore parts and the hind parts. To effect tliis lie 

 employs two motive powers ; the legs, which give the impulse 

 by the croup ; and the hand, which directs and modifies this im- 

 pulse by the head and neck. 



A perfect harmony of forces ought then to exist always 

 between these two motive powers ; but the same harmon}^ is 

 equally necessary between the parts of the animal which tliey are 

 intended particularly to impress. Our endeavors to render the 

 head and neck flexible, light, and obedient to the touch of the 

 hand, would be vain, its results incomplete, and the equilibrium 

 of the whole animal imperfect, so long as the croup should con- 

 tinue immovable, dull^ contracted, and rebellious to the direct 

 governing agent. 



I have just explained the simple and easy means of giving 



