he can generally be made to proceed by turning his head away, and passing him along with the leg opposite to the object, as in traversing. If he is a young horse, and does not seem to have known fear, he will usually face that which has caused his alarm if he is allowed to take as much room as the way offers. The rider should avoid, as much as is possible, taking notice of the horse's fright, as any nervousness on the part of the rider will confirm the horse in the opinion that there is danger. If a horse takes alarm on the road at things with which he is familiar, it is either through defective eye-sight, or because he has found out that he can take liberties with his rider. A man of discretion will know when a horse should be whipped up to an object of which there is a pretence of fear, but the horse must never be struck after he has passed on. I do not like a horse that has low action, for he must trip, and he is likely, sooner or later, to come down. A horse stumbles when, through weakness, weariness, or stiffness from age and work, he is not able to recover himself from a trip. He usually bears the evidence of his accident on his knees. A horse that stumbles from weakness is not fit for saddle use. If the rider is unfortunate enough to find himself mounted upon a horse that gives indications of being insecure upon his fcet, he should demand free and lively action, with rein and legs. should not be allowed to The horse become in dolent, nor be permitted to hang upon the bit. On descending a hill the horse must have liberty of action, for if he steps too short he is liable to come down and a horse that is checked has ; not sufficient freedom for his safety. It is after a long day's work that a weary horse may for the first time stumble, and it is a mistaken idea of kindness that induces the rider to let a horse take his head upon such an occasion. The horse misses the encouragement of the rein and the support of the leg, and is invited to fall. Besides it is much more fatiguing for him to bear his burden, deprived of his usual aids, and in drooping spirits. Finally, in case of a fall, either of a stumbling horse, or under any other circum stances, the rider should hold on to the rein until he is assured that his feet are free of the stirrups. PART II. HOW TO SCHOOL A HORSE. THE EARLY EDUCATION OF THE HORSE. In order that he may never chafe against restraint, the horse should never know perfect freedom. From the hour he is foaled he should be accustomed to the sight of man, and belief in man's power should increase with his knowledge. He must be treated with kindness; but indulgence |
