MODERN RIDING. 11 



Section II. Of the Bridle. 



The bridle consists of reins and bits ; for the 

 latter term may be applied to any piece of 

 metal introduced into the horse's mouth for 

 the purpose of restraint. 



I. A short iron rod, made rather wider than 

 the mouth of the horse, and provided with a 

 hook or ring at each extremity for fastening 

 the reins to, affords us an instance perhaps of 

 the greatest possible simplicity in the con- 

 struction of a bit ; and such a one only slight- 

 ly curved forwards, to allow more liberty for 

 the tongue, is at present in general use for the 

 heavier kind of draft horses. 



A rod similar to the former, in two pieces, 

 and connected by a joint in the middle, is 

 the next in point of simplicity, and is in 

 common use for horses of light draft, as in 

 those employed for the curricle, coach, &c. 



L The next in point of farther complica- 

 tion of parts, and which scarcely can be said 



