The Teeth and The Bit
When fitting a bit to a horse, along with a bridle, the normally metal bar of the bit lies in the interdental space between the incisors (or canines, where present) and premolars. If the bridle is adjusted so that the bit rests too low, or too high, it may push against the teeth and cause discomfort.
Sometimes, a "bit seat" is filed in the first premolar, where the surface is rounded so that the flesh of the cheek is not pushed into the sharp edge of the tooth, making riding more comfortable for the horse, although the practice is controversial.
Read more about this topic: Horse Teeth
Famous quotes containing the words teeth and/or bit:
“An Indian’s teeth are strong, and I noticed that he used his often where we should have used a hand. They amounted to a third hand.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
“Scarlett O’Hara: Oh, oh, Rhett. For the first time I’m finding out what it is to be sorry for something I’ve done.
Rhett Butler: Dry your eyes. If you had it all to do over again, you’d do no differently. You’re like the thief who isn’t the least bit sorry he stole, but he’s terribly, terribly sorry he’s going to jail.”
—Sidney Howard (1891–1939)