W," OE BEEAKIJSTG BIT. 71 



est excitement, by the lightest restraint of an ordinary bit. 

 This principle of training is also illustrated in " Halter- 

 Pulling," and in fact in every step of subjective treatment. 



The length of the bit should be regulated to the size of 

 the mouth, so that when pulled upon, the bars will come at 

 right angles with the jaw on each side. The average length 

 is eight and three-fourths inches from center to center of 

 ring-holes when put together. This makes the length of 

 small bars three and three-eighths inches, and long bars 

 five and five-eighths inches from center to center of holes. 

 It may be made much shorter, but it would proportionately 

 lessen the lever power of the bars upon the jaw, which is 

 the key of its success. It should be made of round cast- 

 steel rod about five-sixteenths of an inch in diameter. 

 (A good illustration is given on a scale of one-half size.) 

 Between the bars at the ends, there should be a small, thin 

 washer. It must be finished smooth, with no rough cor- 

 ners or surfaces anywhere. Sometimes a round, stiff piece 

 of leather may be put inside the rings, but this is not nec- 

 essary. 



A great variety of bits are made on this principle, but 

 their construction is so faulty they do not work well. 

 They are mainly defective in being too short and rough. 

 This bit will not bruise or cut the mouth. Some of the 

 points which it took me a good many years to learn, were, 

 that there was no practical advantage in making the bars 

 twisted and rough for the purpose of hurting more ; that 

 the lever power was the point of its success, and that it 

 would work just as well when the bars were smooth as 

 when twisted and roughened. 



The point of its use is, when put hi the mouth the reins 

 are to be brought back through the shaft lugs so as to bring 



