24 PRINCIPLES OF p. I. 



If there is a chain-strap, the strap must be 

 placed so high on the branch, that when 

 passed through the ring in the curb-chain, it 

 must be buckled to such tightness as to pre- 

 clude the possibility of the horse lodging the 

 branch on his teeth. Unnecessary tightness 

 should be avoided, as it renders the bit less 

 comfortable to the horse. 



When a horse can stop readily and with 

 ease, when his head is constant and steady, 

 and he is light and firm in the hand, and so 

 supple as to be able to obey it in all its mo- 

 tions with ease and readiness, he gives ample 

 proof that the bit is properly adjusted and 

 fitted to his mouth, and that he is reconciled 

 and even pleased with the power it exercises 

 over him : on the contrary, if he open his 

 mouth as if he was gagged, if he writhe and 

 twist his jaws, if he draw up his tongue above 

 the mouth piece, or thrust it out of his mouth 

 sideways, if he retain himself or run back- 

 ward, if he carry his head very low, and 

 endeavour to force the hand, if he fear the 

 impression of the bit, have no appuy, toss his 



