3. Use the bit best adapted to the horse, and set the curb chain to keep the bit from falling through. Work mainly on the snaffle bit until the horse becomes accustomed to the bit and curb chain.
The preceding movements should be begun at first at a slow gait.
Use.—The curb bit is used primarily, in training, to lower the head, to flex the jaw, and to bring the nose in towards the body.
The snaffle bit raises the head and supports the horse.
A curb bit will not stop a horse that makes up his mind to bolt.
A curb bit roughly used may cause a horse to make up his mind to bolt.
A “hard mouth” is often a tender mouth accustomed to hard hands.
The Curb Bit “Gathers” the Horse.—A horse is gathered when his head and neck are well raised, the front line of the face nearly vertical, and the jaw and the junction of the head and neck at the poll flexible.
A horse in a state of “collection” is in a position to obey, to the utmost of his capability, any demands the aids may give.