314 ON BRIDLING 



snaffle and to compel him to execute better, with 

 more union, the movements that are desired. The 

 curb-bit acts as a secondary lever in which the 

 power is the hand by means of the reins, the re- 

 sistance is in the bars on which the cannon is plar 

 ced, and the point of support is the curb which 

 makes the bit act. 



The cannon is the part of the bit which is pla- 

 ced in the mouth and keeps the cheeks firm. The 

 upper cheeks are the pieces above the cannon, 

 the lower cheeks are the pieces that are under- 

 neath. The cannon would be preferable if hollow, 

 because it is lighter, than if solid, but if hollow 

 it is not so strong and the bit must be strong. It 

 must not be possible that it could break and the 

 horse go free. The cannon must be placed on the 

 bars of the lower jaw between the tusks and molar 

 teeth without touching either. 



The curb should lie well flat round the outer 

 jaw just above the chin so that when the curb-bit 

 is made to act the curb should not rise if possible. 

 The rising of the curb and its keeping higher than 

 it should be above the chin may be caused by the 



