PLATE XXIV.—SWALES PATENT
PLATE XXV.—BRUSH BURR
PLATE XXVI.—PLAIN BURR
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The curb-chain should allow of two fingers between it and the horse's jaw. This curb-chain is a part of the lever which works by the bit, through the reins, on the mouth, and should be handled with discrimination and soberly. The curb-chain may be made more severe, either by tightening it, or by turning the chain itself so that it will be with rough edges against the horse's jaw. It is doubtful whether this is more than a temporary solution of pulling. Its final effect is to deaden the horse's mouth. When you are tempted to tighten your curb-chain, tighten your nose-band and loosen your curb-chain instead; or lift the bit by a hole in the horse's mouth or lower it; or buckle your reins in the cheek instead of the bar, middle bar, or lower bar; or if there seems to be trouble on one side of the horse's mouth and not on the other,—if on the near side, put the off rein into the middle bar, leaving the near rein in the cheek, or vice versa; or look to see if your horse has his tongue over the bit; or if he is inclined to loll with his tongue, tie his tongue down with soft string; or loosen or tighten the bearing-rein;—in short, use every means in your power to make the horse comfortable before you resort to harsh measures—which last, by the way, are almost never permanently successful.