A "first form" war bridle, consisting of a thin cord run over the poll and then through the mouth and under the upper lip, against the gumline of the upper incisors. A loop is used so that it tightens on the horse's head when the end of the line is pulled. Sometimes a pulley is used to provide mechanical advantage. A variation goes around the horse's nose instead of through the mouth, but still tightens on both the poll and jaw. The war bridle is not intended for riding; it is used as a halter or twitch. The use of a war bridle is considered by some to be a last resort for handling an uncontrollable animal, but others claim its use constitutes animal cruelty.