io6 JUTS AND HRIDIJC GMAli. 



the curb-chain, to make the link wliich <^ocs on the curb-hook 

 h'e flat (Vli^. 99) ati^ainst the animal's jaw, so that it may not 

 hurt tile lip. 



'l"hc tliroal-latcli should be put on loosch', but not so loose 

 as dealers generally have it. If buckled tiLjhtly, it will not 

 only incommode the horse's breathini;-, but will also, as 

 pointed out b\' " 1 larry llieover," spoil the look of the 

 animal's head. 



If a iiosc-lxmid is employed merely for show, it should be 

 moderately loose, as it will then look best ; but if for use, 

 it should bi' drawn tinhler. It may then be placed high 

 enough so as not to press against the horse's nostrils, and 

 sufficiently low to close the mouth, for which object it is 

 more effective when low down than when high up ; because 

 in the former position, its ])ressure acts to greater mechanical 

 athantage against tlu; nuiscles which separate the jaws than 

 in the latter position. As a horse breathes through his 

 nostrils, the fact of his mouth being kept closed does not 

 affect his res[)iration. The presence of a tight nose-band 

 may make a horse pull from irritation. 



The adjustment of iiiartiiigalcs has already been de- 

 scribed. 



CIIOICl-: OF A HIT. 



The fashion which dictates the use of the double bridle for 

 hunting in Leicestershire, is well founded ; for that head-gear 

 allows the utmost variety of legitimate feeling on the horse's 

 mouth. Leicestershire men affect the double bridle so much 

 that ver)'' few of them would buy a horse shown to them only 

 in a snaflle, no matter how steadih' and well he might perform 

 in it. With a double bridle we may ride on the snaffle as 

 much as we like, and keep the curb for emergencies ; although, 

 from not knowing how to hold the reins properly, men 

 frequently get into the habit of always riding on both reins, 



