iSj Bits a?id Bitting. 



selecting some one of the mouthpieces, Nos. 2, 3, 4 or 

 5, fig. 13, that may otherwise suit, and placing it accu- 

 rately opposite to the chin-groove.* Such a bit would 

 be found much more reliable than one of double the 

 dimensions that is badly placed ; and although some 

 authorities recommend for such purposes an ordinary 

 bit placed a little higher in the mouth than its true 

 place, we have found it better to reduce the dimensions 

 of the lower bar, as you have always a difficulty with 

 the curb if you once depart from the rule. 



We have hitherto treated the lower bar of the bit as 

 a straight line, and this is the form usually adopted in 

 common life ; while for military purposes various curves 

 are adopted, the best and nicest-looking being nearly 

 in the shape of a capital S. This variety of form, it 

 should be understood, has nothing to do with the action 

 of the bit as a lever ; the point of attachment of the 

 lower ring, the centre of the rivet of the mouthpiece 

 and that of the upper ring or eye, should be in one 

 straight line and at the same proportional distances 

 from each other, in both cases alike. The real object 

 of the double curve of the lower bar of the military bit 

 is to prevent the horse from catching hold of it with his 

 lips, and then getting it between his teeth, a trick many 

 horses acquire. With the straight bar recourse is had 

 to a curb-strap in such cases, as every one knows ; but 

 it is much simpler and easier for military purposes to 

 adopt the curved bar, and there is no other reason be- 

 yond whim and fashion why civilians should not do the 

 same. 



As to the upper ring or eye into which the headstall 

 of the bridle is fastened, this is now pretty nearly 

 always really ring-shaped. In former times it was 

 usually flattened down in various degrees from an oval 



* A bridoon should be used with this as with every other regular 

 bit. 



