The Martingale

Is used to steady the horse's head, and keep it in its proper place.

It is generally used on loose weak-necked horses, and though of service in the hands of the experienced, it is often dangerous when used by others, as being apt to catch on the bit or buckles of the bridle, and so cause serious accidents.

The Bridle

There is a great variety of bits suitable for different descriptions and tempers of horses, but it is impossible to describe them all in so limited a space. They all belong to one of two classes - the snaffle or the curb, and are of different degrees of severity and power.

The snaffle is a piece of steel with a joint in the middle; it may be smooth and plain, twisted, or double-jointed. The smooth snaffle is the mildest form of bit there is, and, except just for exercise, few horses ride pleasantly in one. The twisted bit is sharper, and if drawn quickly backwards and forwards through the mouth is very punishing. The double-jointed is the most severe; it is formed of two plain snaffles one above the other; but the joints in each not being opposite each other, cause a sharper and more narrow pressure on the tongue and lower jaw. Very few horses ride well and pleasantly in a snaffle of any kind, as they all cause a horse to raise his head and open his mouth, to take the pressure off his tongue. In addition to these there are the chain-snaffle, which is a very light bit, and the gag, used for horses that get their heads down.

The curb-bit is a lever that, by means of a curb-chain, acts upon the lower jaw, and may be made very easy or very severe according to the length of the cheek or leverage, and the height of the port or arch in the centre of the mouth-piece. It is very seldom used singly, but in conjunction with some kind of snaffle, when it forms a double-rein bridle, and is by far the most useful bit. All horses go better in it, when properly handled, than in any other, as by lengthening or shortening the curb-chain, and taking up or dropping the bit in the mouth, it can be made either less or more severe, to suit most horses.

The Pelham is a curb and snaffle in one; it is a curb-bit with a joint in the middle, instead of a port. It forms a double-rein bridle, and is very light and easy.

The Hanoverian is of the same description, but with a port and a joint on each side of it. The mouth-piece is covered with small rollers. This forms a double-rein bridle of great power and severity, requiring great care and judgment.

Like saddles, the bridles should be of first-rate material and workmanship; the bits sewn on to the head-pieces and reins, as being much neater and lighter than the buckles. The leather must be kept clean and pliable with soft soap, and the bits clean and bright with silver-sand and oil. Price of a snaffle bridle about 20s., and of a double-rein bridle 28s. to 30s., according to the sort of bit required.