Читать книгу The Horsewoman: A Practical Guide to Side-Saddle Riding, 2nd. Ed - Alice M. Hayes - Страница 31

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A bridle consists of a bit, head-stall and reins. The bit is the piece of metal which goes into the animal’s mouth; the head-stall or “head” is the leather straps which connect the bit to the horse’s head; and the reins enable the rider to use the bit.

Some persons incorrectly restrict the term “bit” in all cases to a curb. This particular application of the word is from custom allowable in the expression “bit and bridoon,” in which the bit signifies a curb, and the bridoon a snaffle.

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Fig. 32.—“Head” of a Single Bridle: a, Crown-piece; b, b, Cheek-pieces; c, Throat-latch; d, Front or Brow-band.

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Fig. 33.—Unjointed Snaffle.

Fig. 34.—Chain Snaffle.

Fig. 35.—Ordinary Snaffle with Cheeks.

Fig. 36.—Nutcracker action of Jointed Snaffle on Horse’s Mouth.

Fig. 37.—Action of Unjointed Snaffle on Horse’s Mouth.

Fig. 38.—Action of the Curb as a Lever.

The names of the different leather parts of a bridle (Fig. 32) are as follows:—

The crown piece (a) passes over the horse’s poll.

The cheek pieces (b b) connect the crown-piece with the bit.

The throat-latch (c), which is usually pronounced “throat-lash,” passes under the animal’s throat, and serves to prevent the bridle from slipping over his head.

Fig. 39.—Properly constructed Curb for ordinary Hunter. Side View.

The front, forehead-band or brow-band (d) goes across the horse’s forehead, and has a loop at each end, for the crown-piece to pass through. “Front” is the trade name for this strap.

The head-stall or head, which is the trade term, is the name given to all this leather work.