22 Bits and Bitting, 



make a great number of horses kickers, and to cause 

 numerous accidents to occur from horses running away 

 to avoid some white apron or handkerchief or the like 

 that appears in their rear. Teams of artillery-horses 

 without blinds become in consequence unapproachable 

 in column by officers who have to gallop up and down 

 with orders ; many a leg has been broken in this way, 

 and many artilleries have introduced blinds in conse- 

 quence, and with immediate effect. Horses without 

 blinds are always for starting off before the driver has a 

 hold of the reins, and soon learn to kick at the least 

 motion of the whip. 



But enough has now been said to prove the great 

 importance of well understanding the principles on 

 which bits and bridles should be applied and con- 

 structed, both as a means of ensuring to the rider and 

 driver perfect command over their horses, and also of 

 saving these most useful and docile animals from ill 

 treatment and unnecessary pain. 



