In all cases a snaffle should be thick and smooth, so that it may not hurt the horse’s mouth.
CURBS.
A curb is a bit which acts as a lever, by means of the curb-chain that passes under the animal’s lower jaw ([Fig. 38]). [Fig. 39] shows a properly constructed curb for a horse with an ordinary sized mouth. The best curb which is in general use is the Ward Union ([Fig. 40]). The curb-chain should have broad and thick links, so that it may not hurt the lower jaw. This precaution can be supplemented by a leather guard or by passing the curb-chain through a rubber tube ([Fig. 41]). A chin-strap (Figs. [42] and [43]) is necessary to keep the curb in its place ([Fig. 44]).
PELHAMS.
A Pelham is a bit which can act either as a curb or a snaffle, according to the reins which are taken up. Unless a lady thoroughly understands the handling of the reins, she should not use a Pelham, because her tendency when riding will be to feel both reins, in which case the snaffle reins will pull the mouth-piece high up in the mouth, which, as we shall see further on, is the wrong position for the action of the curb. Hence, only one pair of reins (either those of the snaffle or those of the curb) should be brought into play when using a Pelham.
NOSE-BANDS.
The use of a nose-band is to keep the horse’s mouth shut, in the event of his holding his jaws wide apart, so as to resist the action of the bit. To be effective, it should be fixed low down. The cavasson nose-band ([Fig. 45]) is neat and serviceable.
