SUPPLING THE FOEE-HAND. 13 



and a half to five inches in length, from 

 the centre of the mouth-piece, answer the 

 purpose ; and as my horses never rear or 

 fight against the hand, I think that bits 

 of this description may be used by those 

 riders who do not trust to the reins for 

 support. 



When the rider first mounts the horse 

 bitted with curb and snaffle, he will 

 draw the curb reins up until he has a 

 gentle feeling of the horse's mouth. 

 Then with the direct rein, the horse 

 being at a halt, he will make light 

 vibratory motions to induce the horse 

 to give his jaw upon one side, and 

 afterwards he ^ill, in the same manner, 

 make the horse yield his jaw to the 

 other rein. Then, with both reins at 

 equal length, he will play with the bit 



