the take off, and so not only prevent him from using his strength to the best advantage, but would tend to throw him off his balance. Running martingales, however, are not nearly as effectual in preventing a horse from rearing, and when they are used it requires a very considerable amount of strength on the part of the rider to keep the horse’s head down, while, of course, the standing martingale keeps the horse’s

head down without any exertion on the part of the rider.

If a standing martingale is used, be sure that it is not fastened too tight; it should be loose enough to allow the horse quite a little play with his head in its natural position. If it is tighter than this the horse, when the reins are loose, will put his head in its natural position, then feel the pressure of the martingale and think that he is being backed. He will thereupon back, and the more you give him his head by loosening the reins, the more, through attempting to raise his head, he will feel the pressure of the martingale and will keep on backing. Under these circumstances, the only thing you can do is to gather him lightly with the curb, which will bring his head in and relieve the pressure of the martingale, then urge him forward, or, if you want him to stand, keep a light pressure on the curb so as to prevent the martingale from being tight.

Varieties of Riding Bits

  1. 1. Plain Curb
  2. 2. Port Curb
  3. 3. Straight Bar Curb
  4. 4. Shifting Bar Curb
  5. 5. Shifting Rough Curb
  6. 6. Western Style
  7. 7. Mexican or Western Style
  8. 8. Severe Shifting Bar
  9. 9. Long Port Bit
  10. 10. Chifney Bit
  11. 11. Gridiron Bit
  12. 12. Plain Snaffle
  13. 13. Rough Snaffle
  14. 14. Broken Pelham, Rough
  15. 15. Broken Pelham, Smooth
  16. 16. Long Pelham, Broken
  17. 17. Pelham, Rough
  18. 18. Hanoverian Pelham, Rough
  19. 19. Rough Port Bits
  20. 20. Polo Bits

The breastplate, used with nearly all horses by women in the hunting-field, should be used at all times with a horse that is “tucked up” like a greyhound. In fact, many riders use breastplates at all times with nearly all horses, and, except in the show ring or in park riding where they are not considered good form, I think they should be generally used with women’s saddles. They hold the saddle in place,

and, with them, the girths need not be drawn so tight.

Bits and Bridles