48 



bars, through a special link in the curb chain, prevents the horse from 

 grasping the levers with its under lip and incisors. 



The position of the curb in the mouth is two fingers above the 

 tusks, and the action of this bit is that of a lever, to which the curb 

 chain serves as a fulcrum. 



The mouth piece may be of various shapes and thicknesses. 



The levers are either straight or curved and according to their 

 length, they act more or less powerfully. 



The "Pelham", is a combination of curb and snaffle ; a pull on the 

 upper rein produces the action of the snaffle, while the lower rein acts 

 as the curb. 



"We will enter more fully upon the bits, in the chapters treating on 

 the guidance and training of the horse. 



THE PRACTICAL PART OF THE ART OF RIDING. 



ELEMENTARY PRINCIPLES. 



It is essential, that persons who wish to indulge in horsemanship 

 and to derive from it, pleasure and benefit to health, should form a 

 clear idea of the fact, that their safety and comfort is dependent upon 

 the confidence in their own ability, and, that the latter can be acquired 

 only by the most positive knowledge of the ways and means by which 

 the horse is controlled. 



A mere general and stiperficial acquaintance with the management 

 of the horse and the simple recollection of points, covering one or the 

 other of numberless situations, with which the rider in his practical 

 experience is brought face to face, will not be sufficient guarantee for 

 the safety of those, who entrust themselves, to their horses, relying 

 more or less upon the gentleness and good disposition of the same. 



The pupil should be made familiar with the characteristics and 

 peculiarities of the horse and become at an early stage inspired with 

 the true spirit of horsemanship, including courage, determination and 

 decisive action. 



The possession of these qualities, will guide the rider in all event- 

 ualities, preserve calmness, and the principles, which have been in- 

 occulated in the rider by thorough and systematic instruction, and 

 which have impressed themselves upon his memory, by reason of their 

 clear understanding in their action and result, will be applied instinct- 

 ively. 



It is an undeniable fact, that kindness will produce the best and 

 most lasting results in our relations with the horse, but the pupil who 

 intends to make the horse his subordinate companion, must be impressed 

 with the fact, that much depends upon numberless details of speech 

 manner and action, employed under various circumstances, -which 

 exercise over the horse a much greater influence, than is commonly 

 supposed. 



Quiet, sternness and a moderate, but decisive use of the voice, 

 should be taught from the beginning. 



The rudiments of horsemanship form a basis, upon which the entire 

 experience and practical execution of the art of riding are founded, and 



