HALF-MOOJtf BIT ADJUSTED. 269 



with the extra bit, which of itself greatly restrains the im- 

 pulse of resistance. The bit is very simple, merely a cir- 

 cular mouth-piece, with the inner part filed down to about 

 the thickness of the back of an ordinary knife-blade, and 

 rounding to prevent cutting. This makes the bearing sur- 

 face against the mouth so narrow that the most plucky 

 horse can scarcely pull against it, while its circular form 

 prevents pulling sideways. It must, however, be tried cau- 



FIG. 196. The Half-moon Bit adjusted. 



tiously upon a dangerous horse. Before trying whether 

 the horse will submit to it, put on one or two foot-straps, 

 which will be sufficient to disable the horse should he lunge 

 so recklessly against the bit that he cannot be held. (This 

 will be necessary only in extremely bad cases.) Then 

 in all cases the experiment should be made where the road 

 is very wide and free from obstructions, or in an open, 

 smooth field. For illustration of bit, see cut 73, page 75. 



SPOON BIT. 



The Spoon Bit, an illustration of which is given, is so 

 constructed as to bring the edges of two flanges, wheii 



