The Lever ^ the Bit and Cii7-b^ etc. 1S5 



pended in the horse's mouth. There is a great incon- 

 venience and disadvantage in having a multiplicity of 

 bridles, and many civilian bridles — if w^e may use the 

 word — omit altogether the first-named pair, the cheek- 

 pieces being then sewed directly into the upper rings of 

 the bit. This we hold to be a great mistake, because, 

 first of all, the bit, supposing it to be the proper size 

 and shape, cannot be so easily fixed in its proper place ; 

 and, secondly, it is impossible to change it for one that 

 does fit accurately, in the contrary case. In fact, this 

 practice is evidently a consequence of want of clear 

 views on the subject of bitting, and, on the other hand, 

 a great obstacle to the attainment of the necessary accu- 

 racy. We hold the lower pair of buckles and straps to 

 be indispensable. The upper pair of buckles might be 

 more easily dispensed with if one single buckle were 

 placed on the top of the horse's head between its ears ; 

 for by means of this the total length of the cheekpieces 

 may be regulated generally^ and the Jinal adjustment 

 of the position of the bit accomplished by means of the 

 buckles and straps, which latter should be pierced with 

 holes at intervals of half an inch.* Some people will, 

 however, prefer the buckles in the cheekpieces ; and if 

 so, it will be necessary to see that they do not lie higher 

 than the angle of tlie horse's eye, as they are otherwise 

 likely to interfere with the position of the forehead- 

 band, which should, like every other part of the bridle, 

 including the throat-band, fit loosely, and cause the least 

 possible amount of discomfort to the horse consistent 

 with the object to be attained. 



The nose-band has pretty nearlv altogether disap- 

 peared from our English bridles, which is also a mis- 



* It may sometimes be necessary to let the bit down or take it up 

 by a smaller quantity than the half-inch affords : in such cases inter- 

 mediate holes maybe made ; but the fewer of these the better, as they 

 weaken the strap. 

 16* 



