Throat-latch, throat-lash

sb. Saddlery. [f. THROAT sb. + LATCH sb.¹ 1, LASH sb.² 1.] A strap passing under the horse’s throat which helps to keep the bridle in position.

1794.  W. Felton, Carriages (1801), II. 167. Bearing-reins hung to the throat-band by throat-latch dees.

1829.  Sporting Mag., XXIV. 175. I never saw a horse driven in the throat-latch in Germany.

1890.  ‘R. Boldrewood,’ Col. Reformer (1891), 106. He … held on to the bridle-rein with such tenacity that the throat-lash giving way, it was jerked over the horse’s head, leaving the reins in the rider’s hands.

  transf.  a. 1825.  Forby, Voc. E. Anglia, Throat-latch … 2. The strings of a hat, cap, &c. fastened under the chin.

  attrib.  1794.  [above].

1901.  G. W. Cable, Cavalier, xix. He had a retreating chin, a throat-latch beard and a roving eye.

  Hence Throat-latch v. trans., to put a throat-latch upon.

1829.  Sporting Mag., XXIV. 175. I throat-latched him, and never drove a better leader.