324 ON BRIDLING 



The degree of power to be given to the curb-bit 

 should be prescribed by the degree of sensitiveness 

 of the horse' s mouth but also by the degree of skill 

 of the hands of the rider who is to ride a given 

 horse. The curb-bit may have much power if the 

 rider has light and skilful hands : it should not 

 have much power if the rider' s hands are hard 

 and unskilful. 



The curb-bit must have such power that the 

 action of the hand can lead and regulate the horse 

 without causing him too much pain. If the horse 

 is very sensitive less action must be given to the 

 curb-bit and less action to the hand. It is neces- 

 sary however, to give the curb-bit the possibility 

 of acting with power because in case of excitement 

 and fright the horse feels the aids of the hand 

 given him much less than when he is not under 

 these impressions. If the horse does not feel much, 

 considerable power must be given to the curb-bit 

 in order that the hand should have strength enough 

 to compel him to execute what is required of him 

 and to command him. 



As a summary of the essential things on tliis 



