98 



METHODS OF SUBJECTION. 



upon it will hurt so severely that there will be no inclination to pull 

 against it ; next, it should be made circular in form, so that it will give 

 sufficient lateral restraint to prevent pulling or lunging sideways. 

 The length should be from four and seven eighths to five inches from 

 center to center of holes, the bend about one inch forward from a 

 line drawn across the center of the holes, with the edge filed down to 

 about the thickness of the back of an ordinary knife-blade, and 

 rounded to prevent cutting. This will make the surface bearing 

 against the mouth so.narrow that the most plucky horse can scarcely 

 pull against it. This bit will be found very effective for the manage- 

 ment of spirited, pulling, and lunging horses. 



The Spoon Bit. 



The Spoon Bit simply causes sensibility in the mouth in 

 another way, namely, by the pressure of the spurs or flanges 

 against the outside of the jaw to 1;he degree the bit is pulled upon. 



Pig. 127.— Spoon Bit. 



It will be found in many cases to work very nicely, though it is not 

 a bit that gives much power. It is more like the Four-ring Bit in 

 compelling an easy submission of the mouth to the guidance and 

 restraint of the reins. The illustration will sufficiently explain its, 

 construction. 



In using any of these palliative bits upon horses known to be 

 liable to run away, it is in all cases advisable to put pn one or 

 two foot-straps, to be carried back into the wagon, and the horse 

 carefully tested, when, if he should resist the bit and lunge ahead, he 

 can be at once disabled by pulling one foot from, under him. Should 

 this be resisted, follow immediately by pulling the other foot from 

 under him. This is, of course,, simply a precautionary measure. 



