THE HORSEMAN. 



23 



The longer the cheek piece (that portion of the branch 

 above the barrel), and the higher the eye is placed in it, 

 the greater the resistance to the branches below the bar- 

 rel, and consequently the stronger will be the impression 

 upon the bars and chin. If the cheek piece is short, the 

 barrel yields to the motion of the branches, and therefore 

 produces less effect. 



The Spanish hit {see Plate Yl.) (used by the Camanche 

 and Pawnee Indians to break wild horses) has a piece of 

 iron fixed with a hinge to the top of the crook which en- 

 circles the lower jaw and acts as a curb. When the 

 branches of the bit are drawn to the rear, the crook be- 

 comes elevated, and consequently this piece of iron presses 

 powerfully against the chin. 



All bits should be wide enough to admit of a free play 

 of the cheek piece. If too wide, however, the horse be- 

 comes annoyed and attempts to catch the branches be- 

 tween his teeth. 



The barrel of the bit should act upon the bars about a 

 finger's breadth, or three-fourths of an inch above the 

 tushes and double the distance above the corner teeth 

 in mares, which ha'Ve no tushes. 



When the bit is too high, the horse is gagged and 

 holds up his nose. In no case should the crook touch 

 the palate. 



The horse will be restive if the bit is so low as to jar 

 against the tushes. He will also be inattentive to his 

 steps and apt to stumble or fall while catching at the 

 bit. 



