BITS — THE CURB. 159 



powerful bit, while the driving reins arc attached to the 

 rings of a plain snaffle. Thus the '' snaffle-mouthed" horse 

 is driven with pleasure to all concerned, and at the same 

 time safety is fully insured by a gentle reminder, or use of 

 the reins, of the powerful Pelham, Hanoverian, or, it may 

 be the carriage harness curb, or bar bit. 



The bridoon and bit of the family carriage horse answers 

 the same purpose, but their use is a little reversed, as the 

 snaffle is attached to the bearing-rein, and the driving-reins 

 to the curb, by which the horse is guided and driven with 

 safety and pleasure to all. 



The Curb and its use merits a word from us on the 

 same account, because upon its presence or absence, and 

 proper attachment to the bit, depend the control of the 

 horse and safety of the person on or behind him. 



Curbs are made of steel links or chain, and attached to 

 each side of the bit by spring hooks, and when properly 

 adjusted, lie immediately on or behind the chin. The 

 tightness of the chain-curb should be just sufficient to 

 admit a finger between it and the horse's lower jaw. 



Curbs of leather straps are not safe, either in strength 

 or severity, when danger approaches, and should therefore 

 be replaced by the curb-chain. Some riders consider 

 themselves unsafe Avithout a Lip-strap to pass through a 

 ring in the centre of the curb, and attached to each side 

 of the bridle, to prevent the horse from working the bit up 

 between his teeth, and holding it there, in defiance of his 

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