THE MEXICAN BIT AND CURB. 83 



held him! He could not shake it off or ease his 

 aching mouth. The blood flowed down in streams, 

 until his breast and fore-legs were red and dripping. 

 Maddened with pain and fright he went at a furious 

 pace for an hour or so, returning at last to his stable. " 



And had the bit cured him of his youthful spirit? 



"Alas, yes! He was not only completely con- 

 quered and subdued, but his jaw was rendered help- 

 less, and his tongue so cruelly cut that he could 

 never carry a bit again. From that time on his 

 spirit was broken, and he was unfit either to ride or 

 drive. So much for the Mexican bit!" 



And what became of the poor fellow? 



'' His owner could make no protest against the 

 cruelty, and had just sold him to a breeder, who, 

 knowing the immense value of his blood and ances- 

 try, could make him useful in the stud." 



There can be no such objection to the curb bit? 



" No, the curb bit is, on the contrary, not only 

 useful, but essential. It is a far more merciful 

 means of reminding a wilful horse, that he is not to 

 have his own way entirely. It does not cut and 

 cause the mouth to bleed. " 



How does it act? 



"It creates an ache in the jaw, which few horses 

 enjoy, and which in most cases effectually controls, 

 while it does not injure them. The curb is most 

 important in riding, especially with fiery young 

 steeds, when mounted by daring women. As a gen- 

 eral thing, women have a light touch on the reins; 

 and one properly taught, soon learns when it is neces- 

 sary to use the curb, and how much of it her horse 



