398 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES 



mouths. To make the bit still more mild, it is often cov- 

 ered with leather or rubber. Not only are bits of this 

 type used on animals with very tender mouths, but they 

 are very efficient in overcoming bad habits where severe 

 bits utterly fail. The jointed bit is a very useful type, 

 and many horses work more agreeably with it than with 

 the bar bit, as it gives more room for the tongue. The 

 severe bit should never be used unless it is absolutely 

 necessary, as it is likely to result in more harm than good. 

 While the mild bit is the one to use as a general rule, 

 there may be times when a severe one is needed. Be- 

 cause of this, several attempts have been made to con- 

 struct a bit that can be variously applied, so as to form 

 either a mild or severe one as desired. 



The curb bit is used to improve the action of driving 

 and high-acting horses. Thus the horse properly fitted 

 with a curb bit gets his head up and nose in and shows 

 himself to much better advantage than with any other 

 kind of bit. However, the curb bit should be used only 

 by those who are familiar with it, as it may become a 

 very cruel instrument in the hands of the inexperienced. 



Head stall and blinds. — The comfort and usefulness of 

 the bit depends largely upon the adjustment of the cheek 

 straps. The bridle should be so adjusted as to keep the 

 bit in its proper place — right across the bars of the mouth 

 just above the tushes. This is very important, for if the 

 cheek straps are too long, then the bit drops and is 

 loosely applied, with the result that the horse becomes 

 careless and unmindful of our wishes. On the other 

 hand, if the cheek straps are too short, then the bit is 

 drawn upward into the angles of the mouth and becomes 

 a constant source of annoyance to the horse and may 

 produce a sore mouth. 



The advisability of using blinds on the bridle depends 

 largely on the conditions. During the training period 

 blinds should not be used. No horse can be said to be 

 trained until he is familiar with objects at all angles, and 



