This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1895 edition. Excerpt: ...THE EQTTCPMENTS. The first consideration in preparing for equestrian exercise is the outfit. The bridle should be of plain russet leather, free from all frippery in the way of useless ornaments. The bit is a matter of great importance. There is an infinite variety of bits, and whole volumes have been ...
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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1895 edition. Excerpt: ...THE EQTTCPMENTS. The first consideration in preparing for equestrian exercise is the outfit. The bridle should be of plain russet leather, free from all frippery in the way of useless ornaments. The bit is a matter of great importance. There is an infinite variety of bits, and whole volumes have been written on the subject. The simplest form is the common snaffle, shown in figure 53. It. is provided with guards to keep it from being pulled into the horse's mouth. The doublejointed snaffle bit has a short link in place of a single joint in the middle. Snaffle bits are sometimes made of twisted wire, but they are severe and cut the mouth. The curb bit, shown in figure 54, has a bend in the middle, called the port, which, by the action of the reins, is pressed upward against the sensitive bars in the roof of the mouth. These bits have, attached to the upper part of the sidebars, a curb-chain, which presses against the lower jaw. The Pelham bit, illustrated in figure 55, is a combination of the snaffle and curb. In the middle is a hinge-joint, instead of the link-joint of the snaffle. The bridoon, figure 56, is a plain jointed bit, like a snaffle, without the sidebars. For riding it is used in connection with a curb bit, and the arrangement is very effective. Each of them has separate sidestraps to the head-stall and separate reins. The bridoon is worn inside of the curb bit, or it will press the latter and cause chafing. The reins of the bridoon and curb bits are never to be held tight at the same time. The bridoon reins are generally sufficient for straightway riding, and when, the curb is needed, the bridoon reins are relaxed. Equal in importance to the choice of a proper bit is that of the saddle. The English park saddle, illustrated in...
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