98 Animal Husbandry 
must be careful to get a bit of the proper length for the horse’s 
mouth. Many bits are too long and are pulled out of adjust- 
ment in the mouth, so that the pressure on either side is not equal. 
The bit must be of the correct length for the particular animal, 
and properly adjusted. 
Some horses work better with the jointed or snaffle bit. It 
gives more room for the tongue, and the pressure is more evenly 
distributed on the jaws than with the straight bit. Severe bits, 
of which there are many in the market, and which are intended 
for punishment, should never be used unless it is absolutely 
necessary. 
In the training and driving of high-acting horses, the curb-bit 
may be used. A horse properly bitted with this shows himself 
to better advantage than with any other kind of bit. The curb- 
bit should be used only by those who are familiar with it, as it 
may become an instrument of torture in the hands of the inex- 
perienced. 
The choice of the proper bit for each horse can be determined 
only by trial, and if several changes are necessary, one should not 
be discouraged. However, when it has been determined which 
bit best serves the purpose, no further change should be made. 
After becoming used to a certain kind of bit a horse does not take 
kindly to a change. It makes him uncomfortable and may inter- 
fere with his action. 
169. The check-rein.— The check-rein should be properly 
adjusted. In common practice there are two methods of check- 
ing the horse’s head — by means of the side-rein and by the over- 
check rein. The former is used more often on work horses, the 
latter on driving horses. The side-rein is used with and without 
check hooks at the throat-latch. This rein is not so effective as 
the over-check rein in compelling the animal to hold his head up, 
but it is much more comfortable to the horse and enables him to 
handle himself more efficiently. Horses checked with the side- 
rein are not so likely to stumble as those with the over-check rein, 
