Accoutrements for the Horse. 41 



THE BRIDLE. 



The Bridle consists of reins and a bit ; for the 

 latter term may be applied to any piece of metal 

 introduced into the horse's mouth for the purpose 

 of restraint. 



I. A short iron rod, made rather wider than the 

 mouth of the horse, and provided with a hook or 

 ring at each extremity for fastening the reins to, 

 affords us an instance perhaps of the greatest pos- 

 sible simplicity in the construction of a bit ; and 

 such a one only slightly curved forwards, to allow 

 more liberty for the tongue, is at present in gene- 

 ral use for the heavier kind of draft horses. 



A rod similar to the former, broken in two pieces, 

 and connected by a joint in the middle, is the next 

 in point of simplicity, and is in common use for 

 horses of light draft, as in those employed for the 

 curricle, coach, &c. 



The next in point of further complication of 

 parts, and which scarcely can be said to differ 

 from the former, is the common snaffle. This is 

 provided with two cross pieces which rest against 

 the lips or sides of the mouth externally ; for as 

 the snaffle is intended for the saddle horse, and 

 the reins go to the hands, these cross pieces are 

 4* 



