36 



BITS AND BRIDLE GEAR. 



being attached in the usual way, while the other is a con- 

 tinuation of a separate strap or " head," the cheek-pieces 

 of which are rounded, and instead of being sewn on or 

 buckled to the rings of the snaffle, pass through holes in 

 projections on each side of the snaffle (Figs. 40, 41, and 

 42), or through holes in the rings of the snaffle, and 

 thence to the rider's hands. When the gag reins are 

 pulled, the snaffle is forced against the corners of the 

 horse's mouth, with the result that he has to draw up his 



Fig. 43. Double-mouthed Snaffle. 



head. This bit is consequently useful with horses that 

 " bore " with their heads down (carry their heads too 

 low), and with buckjumpers. The one shown in Fig. 40 

 is used as a bridoon to a double bridle. 



9. The double-mouthed snaffle (Fig. 43) has two mouth- 

 pieces which respectively have joints placed more to one 

 side than to the other, so that, if the joint of the upper 

 mouth-piece be more to the near side than the off, that of 

 the lower one will be more to the off than to the near, and 

 vice versa. It forms a severe bit, owing to the large amount 

 of side pressure which it exerts on the gums. It should 



