i 4 o THROUGH STABLE AND SADDLE-ROOM. 



cessive in the above. The bit becomes too severe, 

 and is dangerous for ordinary use. I am aware 

 that there are people who are gifted with such 

 perfect hands that they can ride with anything, 

 and one of our best Gentlemen horsemen habitu- 

 ally uses a bit with a port like a gridiron, and 

 such, indeed, it is called, and he can use it ; 

 but then there are very few men in England 

 who can ride and handle a horse as he can — 

 certainly none better — and if I were to mention his 

 name, the fact would be admitted by all who know 

 him, or of him. He rides big, well-bred horses, 

 and strongly objects to being pulled at, and so 

 tackles them in this way, and can handle them 

 over the biggest part of Leicestershire in the most 

 masterly style. 



An ordinary bit should be large in the mouth- 

 piece. The curb-chain should be large in the links, 

 and what is called a curb-save may be used with 

 advantage. This latter is a piece of leather which 

 has loops sewn on to it, and through which the 

 curb-chain is passed. It is used for the purpose 

 of protecting the horse's jaw, and preventing its 

 being cut by the broad steel links of the chain. 

 In any case where a bit is used, a lip - strap 

 should be added. It is a very simple arrangement, 

 and consists of a round leather strap, which is 



