CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF HOUSES 143 



necessary. Such bits in the hands of a novice are responsible 

 for much of the viciousness of horses. The tendency of the 

 nervous horse to loll his tongue can often be cured by the use 

 of the "tongue-lolling bit." This is a straight-bar bit with 

 a plate fastened on the bar, and is just as easy in the horse's 

 mouth as the plain straight-bar bit except for the annoyance of 

 the plate. 



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 in- 

 experienced. 



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 in- 

 terfere with his action. 



Headstall. — The bridle should be so fitted to the horse's 

 head as to let the bit rest easily in the mouth. The head-stall 

 should be neither too long nor too short. If it is too long, the bit 

 drops so that the rings are drawn into the mouth. The horse 

 becomes careless and unmindful of the driver's wish. On the 

 other hand, if the head-stall is too short, the bit is drawn up- 

 wards into the angles of the mouth and becomes a constant 

 source of annoyance to the animal and may produce a sore 

 mouth. 



Blinds. — As to the advisability of using blinds on the bridles 

 there is diversity of opinion. Some persons contend that they 

 are of benefit to the horse, while others are just as certain that 

 they are cruel. Here much depends upon the individuality of 

 the animal. Some animals work better with them ; some work 



