THE HORSE'S MOUTH 55 



scrutinized. The other side can be examined in 

 the same manner by using the hands in the oppo- 

 site way. 



The soreness, however, is not always confined 

 to the bars of the lower jaw, the result of the 

 pressure of the bit, for it is not infrequently 

 found that the lining membrane of the cheeks is 

 excoriated by the bit forcibly pressing the cheeks 

 against the anterior grinders. This form of in- 

 jury is seldom found in a horse that readily bends 

 his head upon his neck or "gets his nose in," as it 

 is often expressed, unless it is from the use of 

 tight puUey-bridoon bearing reins, which is al- 

 most certain to cause it, particularly if a horse 

 bores on it. In the majority of instances it is 

 where a jointed or snaffle bit is used, when a horse 

 "takes hold," and in the case of one not inclined 

 to "bend," that the lining of the cheeks is injured. 

 It can be readily understood, where a jointed bit 

 is used on a horse that does not get his nose in, 

 that when force is exerted upon the reins, it 

 presses the cheeks directly against the teeth, and 

 we can at once realize the great liability to in- 

 jury of the soft and sensitive cheeks when pressed 

 between two hard bodies, such as an iron bit and 

 unyielding teeth, which frequently have sharp 

 projecting hooks and angles at the very point at 

 which pressure is brought to bear. Horses driv- 

 en with tight over-checks are particularly subject 



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