EQUITATION 277 



bridoon bit (Fig. 14:G) or to a pulley bridoon (Fig. 147). It 

 places the bearing at the side of the head, having the effect of 

 drawing the chin in and arching the neck mthout necessarily 

 elevating the head very much. This rein is an adjunct to the 

 curb bit, co-operating with it in suggesting a shorter but higher 

 stride and a more collected way of going. 



Its use is especially indicated in the case of horses which 

 yield to the curb with the entire neck instead of with the head 

 only, which brings the chin to a position almost against tlie 

 breast. Severe reining of this character, especially in short, 

 thick-necked horses, may seriously compress the larynx, in addi- 

 tion to causing extreme discomfort and nmscular cramp. 



Fig. 147. — The pulley bridoon bearing rein. 



The Coupling Rein. — In pair harness the reins consist of 

 tlie draught or outside reins and the inside or coupling reins, 

 one of which is attached to each draught rein and passes to the 

 inside of the bit of the opposite horse. A pull to right, for in- 

 stance, is thus communicated to the off side of each horse's mouth 

 and in equal degree, provided the adjustment of the coupling 

 reins has been properly made. 



Coupling is the finishing touch in putting a pair of horses 

 together, and determines whether they are to drive " like one 

 horse '' or whether the driver is to be ever conscious of the pres- 



