THE USE OF THE BRIDLE 



get the mastery. Whilst living in Northampton- 

 shire I remember he owned a determined runaway, 

 not inappropriately called " Hard Bargain," that 

 in this bridle he could turn and twist like a pony. 

 I have no doubt he has not forgotten the horse, 

 nor a capital run from Misterton, in which, with his 

 usual kindness, he lent him thus bridled to a friend. 



I have seen horses go very pleasantly in what 

 I believe is called the half-moon bit, of which 

 the bridoon, having no joint, is shaped so as to 

 take the curve of the animal's mouth. I have 

 never tried one, but the idea seems good, as 

 based on the principle of comfort to the horse. 

 When we can arrive at that essential, combined 

 with power to the rider, we may congratulate 

 ourselves on possessing the right bridle at last, 

 and need have no scruple in putting the animal 

 to its best pace, confident we can stop it at will. 



We should never forget that the faster hounds 

 run, the more desirable is it to have perfect 

 control of our conveyance ; and that a hunter 

 of very moderate speed, easy to turn, and quick 

 on its legs, will cross a country with more 

 expedition than a race-horse that requires half a 

 field to "eo about"; and that we dare not 

 extend lest, " with too much way on," he should 

 get completely out of our hand. Once past the 

 gap you fancied, you will never find a place in 

 the fence you like so well again. 



55 



