270 RIDING VICIOUS HORSES. 



have a choice between the two. We should bear in mind 

 that the action of a curb is peculiarly liable to produce 

 insensibility of the mouth, on account of its pressure being 

 distributed almost completely round the lower jaw, while 

 that of the snaffle falls only on the upper surface of the jaw. 

 Even the jointed snaffle and the chain snaffle leave the under 

 surface of the jaw free from pressure, and consequently 

 interfere comparatively little with the circulation and nervous 

 supply of the part. Hence we should avoid riding even 

 the worst puller continuously on the curb, the action of which 

 we should alternate from time to time with that of the snaffle, 

 so as to preserve the sensibility of the jaw. It is evident 

 that the sensibility of the mouth is the means by which 

 we are enabled to remain in touch with the fore-hand of 

 the horse. I would here recommend the alternate, not 

 the combined, employment of the curb and snaffle. 



A nose-band (Fig. 80) placed low enough to close the 

 animal's mouth without pressing on his nostrils, is often 

 very useful, by preventing him from giving to the pull of 

 the reins only with the lower jaw. A standing martingale 

 attached to the rings of the snaffle will greatly add to the 

 power of the rider in all cases, except when the horse gets 

 his chin into his chest. A Chifney bit (Fig. 53) may also 

 be tried. Blackwell's nose-net has been recommended. Its 

 good effect as a rule soon wears off, and its appearance is 

 certainly very unsightly on a saddle horse. 



SHOULDERING 



Is a form of jibbing, in which the animal tries to press the 

 rider's legs against some convenient object. The rider should 

 pull the horse's head towards the wall, tree, or other rubbing 

 post, and should proceed in the manner just described for 

 combating jibbing. 



