LSGOW.^

6z

THE

HANDBOOK

HORSEMANSHIP;

CONTAINING

PLAIN PRACTICAL RULES FOR RIDING, DRIVING .

AND

THE MANAGEMENT OF HORSES.

BY CAPT. M******.

WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY FRANK HOWARD.

LONDON:

PRINTED FOR THOMAS TEGG, No. 73, CHEAPSIDE.

1842.

PREFACE.

It has been the earnest effort of the Author of
this Work to convey practical information on
the nature and dispositions of horses ; on all
equestrian exercises and movements of riders
and drivers ; and on the construction and
utility of saddlery, harness, &c. ; and, having
excluded all extraneous matter, to compose
and arrange his instructions on an entirely new
plan, so concise and comprehensive for the
purposes of self-tuition, that all who read and
ride may acquire, from an hour's reading, a
clear view of the best principles of the eques-
trian art.

Vlll PREFACE.

It is not the design of this concise manual
of Equestrianism to encumber the reader with
numerous details on the veterinary art, nor
"with anatomical descriptions, but only to sup-
ply some hints on what ought to be known by
all those who use horses.

In order to render the body of the work
concise and compact, an Appendix is added,
containing some further information on certain
points which could not so well be made subject
to a methodical arrangement.

CONTENTS.

Introductory Remarks . . . page 1

The Horse — His Nature and Properties — Age;
How discovered — Treatment, Grooming-, Feed-
ing, Watering — Shoeing; Easy management of
Hoofs p. 3

Bridles — Construction of ; Headstalls ; Reins ;
Throat-straps ; Curb-bits, and Bridoons ; fixing
them in the Bridle, and in the Mouth — Martingal
and its use . . . . . p. 16

Saddles — Their form, and position on the Horse ;
Girths ; Breast-plates ; Cruppers ; Stirrups ; Irons
and Leathers . . . . p. 20

Riding — Holding a Horse by the Bridle — Leading
a Horse — Mounting; Position when mounted —
Holding Bridle-reins when mounted — Use of
Bridle-reins — L^se of Curb-bit — Use of Bridoon

X CONTENTS.

(Snaffle) ; and as an auxiliary — Use of Stirrups —
Use of Legs when Spurs are not to touch —
Use of Spurs — Of Walking the Horse — Trot-
ting— Cantering — Galloping, with right leg fore-
most; with left leg foremost — Changing fore-
most leg, and Changing Pace without stopping
— Stopping — Reining back and Advancing — Leap-
ing space; "Standing-leap," or Leaping over
height from Standing Position; Flying Leap
— Starting and Shying — Rearing, etc., — 111
consequences of Jerking and Tugging the
Reins P- 22

Address to the Ladies on their system of Riding,
with Instructions — Their Bridles and Saddles
described — Position on Horseback — Holding
Reins — Using Reins and Whip in conjunction —
Using Whip only ; and of using a Spur — Of
the Horse in Walking, Trotting, Cantering,
Galloping — Stopping — Reining back and again
Proceeding p. 55

Harness — Bridles — Headstalls — Winkers — Bri-
doon, and Running-bearing-rein, and use — Curb-
bits — Check and Power — Driving-reins, etc., —
Collars — Harness and Fastenings — Pads — Traces
— Breeching — Pole of Carriage; and Wheels p. 71

CONTENTS. xi

ETriving— Of one Horse — A pair of Horses— Four
Horses — Holding and using Reins and Whip p. 81

Stables— High Racks and Mangers— Close and
air-tight Stables — Of tucking Litter under Man-
gers — Horse-cloths — Tight Rollers — Pads or
Bandages p 91

Appendix ». 97

THE EQUESTRIAN.

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.

The Arts of Riding and of Driving, although
never so much practised as at present, are
so imperfectly understood, that it is as true
as it is remarkable, that few, very few of
all those who are daily engaged in these
exercises, either for recreation, or by necessity,
understand them; and people in general,
while they are so fortunate as to escape acci-
dents— by mere chance — flatter themselves
that they have a perfect knowledge of the
arts — a delusion which often leads to unex-
pected danger, and thus becomes the occasion
frequently of permanent injuries, and some-
times of death.

The following explanations and instructions
are analytically arranged under separate heads,

2 INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.

as well for the further improvement and re-
membrance of those who have attended riding-
schools, as for the instruction of those who
have not had time, opportunity, or inclination,
to submit to the tedious, and to ladies, gene-
rally troublesome lessons of riding-masters.
Although many instructors may, themselves,
"break-in" young horses, and ride and drive
exceedingly well, they do not always intelli-
gibly impart the principles, observances, and
precautions on which they themselves act ; and
many do that which they cannot describe, and
are unconscious of the science, which is the
foundation and regulation of their own per-
formances ; but in fact, all practical affairs re-
quire theory, as all theory requires practice.
Those persons, therefore, who drive, or ride on
horseback, should understand driving and rid-
ing scientifically, since there is a right and a
wrong way of doing all things.

The following remarks are expressed as briefly
and intelligibly as possible, with a view to assist
the memory, and to their immediate practical
application. It is confidently hoped, that they

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. 3

may be of important service to those who have
never had any regular instruction, and still
more to those who, having received some little
tuition, perhaps from being in too great haste
to "go alone," or from other circumstances,
have not attained to that mastery in the manage-
ment of horses, which is essential to safety, ease,
and elegance.

THE HORSE

HIS NATURE AND PROPERTIES AGE ; HOW

DISCOVERED TREATMENT, GROOMING,

FEEDING ; WATERING SHOEING ; ETC.

The Horse is an animal of great spirit and
strength, very docile, delicate, and sensitive ;
therefore harsh treatment is not only unne-
cessary, but injurious. Habit forms the dis-
position of the horse, and guides his instinct;
gentle treatment encourages and divests him
of fear, a feeling which is often mistaken for

4 AGE.

obstinacy, and called restiveness. If you can
convince a horse that he is not in danger, he
will obey, and his memory being very retentive,
instruction always succeeds with him, by a
kind and persevering repetition of the disci-
pline required to inure him to whatever he is to
perform.

Age. — The age of horses is generally de-
termined by their teeth, because the teeth
usually change their appearance annually, until
seven years old, viz.,

At 2 1 years, the corner teeth are imper-
fect, and all are gradually smaller
from the centre, and very short.

At 3, The two centre teeth are solid, and
therefore called a horse-teeth," and
are marked with a spot on each; they
are also larger than the other teeth.

At 4, The four centre teeth are marked,
and are larger than the other two.
Tushes begin to appear.

At 5 , All the teeth are marked equally ;
and the tushes full grown.

AGE. 5

At 6, The marks begin to wear fain* com-
mencing with the centre teeth, but
leaving until seven, the corner teeth
marked alone.

At 7, The corner teeth, only, retain the
marks, which soon fade away.

The spots commence in, and fade from the
centre teeth; consequently, when the marks
are stronger in the centre teeth and fainter
towards the corner ones, the horse is younger
than when the marks are stronger in the
corner teeth and fainter towards the centre
ones. Mares have no tushes.

Nevertheless, many, particularly mares foaled
late in the season, whose teeth are so hard
as not to wear, seldom have any alteration
in the spots on their teeth after six years old,
and are called by the French " begu."

Short white teeth which fit close and with
short and erect tushes, indicate youth.

Long yellow teeth which lean forward and
project at the points, with long and sharp
tushes, denote age.

Besides these, the age of horses may be
b 3

6 AGE.

determined by other general appearances and
indications, as distinctly as that of a young
and an old man, though hard work will make
young horses appear older, and easy work
and good grooming will make old horses
appear younger than they are.

A young horse's lips, nostrils, eye-lids,
and ears, are smooth and vigorous, and the
whole face, and countenance cheerful and
enlivened by projecting eye-balls, without any
pit or hollow above them. The neck full to
the shoulders, and strong in the ridge. Chest
full and firm. The spine and vertebrae to
the point of the tail, stiff, strong, 'and smooth,
as also the dock, etc.

In aged horses, the indications of advan-
ced age are generally evident, particularly in
the mouth, where, besides the teeth, the lips,
especially the under one, are long and re-
laxed. The edge of the nostrils is soft, relaxed,
and wrinkled, as are the eye-lids; and the
ears have deep creases at the butts. The
countenance is grave, eye-balls not full, and
a deep pit appears above each eye. Neck

AGE, 7

hollow near the shoulder, ridge weak, and
bends with the hand, chest hollow, spine,
vertebrae, and tail weak, dock weak, pro-
jecting and wrinkled, and the tail after exer-
cise, tremulous. Grey hairs are seen in the
mane and tail, on the ears, muzzle, neck,
croup and thighs ; which increase till very old
horses become quite hoary. Grey hairs, some
dealers craftily affirm, are signs of youth and
vigour. Dapple-grey and roan horses become
wither as they grow older.

For a Form of Warranty, see Appendix.

TREATMENT AND PRELIMINARY EDUCATION.

A Horse, in the first instance, should be
taught, and always accustomed, to stand per-
fectly still and immovable, without being held
(which, nevertheless, is sometimes necessary
in crowded and insecure places), whilst his
owner is mounting, or getting into or out of
a chaise, or other open carriage, and whilst
handling and adjusting the reins, etc. Horses
should never be allowed to fidget, move, or

8 GROOVING.

start off, except when required to proceed ; this
habit of quietude is very easily acquired and
established in the temper and disposition of
the horse by gentle, gradual, but invariable
practice.

So, likewise, horses may be taught to stand
still whenever suddenly stopped by slacken-
ing the reins ; but it is necessary, neverthe-
less, to continue to hold them steadily with
a firm grasp, in order to guard against sud-
den accidents. This will be fully explained
hereafter.

Grooming must be sufficient to render
the skin perfectly clean from scurf, and dry
after exercise, and is to be performed with
the currycomb loosely held in the hand, and
lightly applied in short quick motions, so as
to lift up the hair and discharge the dirt and
scurf — not held fast and the horse scraped.
After the currycomb use a large loose wisp
of clean dry straw with activity to and fro,
which being dry, rough, and with numerous pro-
jecting points, penetrates the coat thoroughly,

TREATMENT. <J

and cleans the skin from the loose dirt and
scurf that the currycomb had brought to the
surface. After the wisp, finish and polish
with the brush.

Never give a horse cold water to drink
when he is warm, but he may have some
warm water to wash his mouth and quench
excessive thirst so as to enable him to eat.

Walking or strolling a warm horse about
the stable-yard or the street until he is cool
occasions exhaustion, shivering, and chill —
and often leads to sickness, obstructed respira-
tion, and circulation, stiff limbs — and death.
Can a man, who, when warm, strips off his
coat and strolls about his door until he chills,
be refreshed by it, and soon again able to pro-
ceed?

It is seldom necessary to give a horse phy-
sic, because, carefulness prevents disease in
general. Warm mashes and good nursing,
particularly at night, will generally be suffi-
cient, and produce all the evacuations of the
skin, intestines, and the whole system, re-
quired to heal derangement, and re-establish

10 TREATMENT.

natural circulation ; for this purpose half fill
a bucket with bran, and pour a gallon of
boiling water upon it, cover it closely with a
cloth and let it remain and soak for a quarter
of an hour, at least, then add sufficient cold
water to render it drinkable, stirring it tho-
roughly, and it will be soft, sweet, and rich,
like milk. But when a mash is hastily made
from the kettle and the pump, it becomes
a harsh, curdled heap of unnutritious, un-
combined bran and water. Whenever it is ne-
cessary to cause strong perspiration, put an
ounce of nitre into the mash. Warm mashes
should be given in the bucket, fastened in the
manger, to prevent its oversetting; they im-
part a generous and comfortable warmth.
They should be given at night, horse-cloths
being previously put on, and a good bed made,
and the stable should be immediately shut for
the night.

Grooms, very improperly, on entering the
stable in the morning, lead the horses out,
fix them to a hook in the open yard, take off
all the stable-cloths, and leave them suddenly
exposed to the chill morning air for a con si-

TREATMENT. 11

derable time while they clean the" stable, be-
fore returning to attend to them : the conse-
quence of this sudden transition may be very
serious, and can seldom fail to be in some de-
gree injurious.

Legs and Heels are never to be washed
as a matter-of-course part of grooming, but
in wet weather should be dried immediately
on returning to the stable, because wet heels
become sore. Nevertheless, in cases of sore-
ness, from neglect, chafing by the log-chain,
which sometimes happens in the night, or
soreness from gross constitution, commonly
called "grease/' wash the heels with warm
soap and water, applied lightly with the hand
or a sponge, so as not to irritate by friction,
but only for the purpose of thoroughly cleans-
ing the pores of the sore ; then bathe them
hourly, or oftener, by a sponge with warm vi-
negar and water, of each an equal quantity,
not cooler than drinkable tea ; which discharges
inflammation, and seldom fails to heal, if per-
severed in.

Warm vinegar and water is invaluable as
an external remedy ; it expands the pores and

12 TREATMENT.

vessels, creates a general and free circulation,
purifies the fluids, and reduces sprains, puffing
of heels from over work, and swelled heels
from long standing in the stable. To violent
sprains a bandage may be applied ; the parts
may also be kept bathed with warm vinegar
and water, and the bandage gradually loosened.
In such cases, rest is of course necessary.

Cold vinegar and water should never be
used for any purpose, nor any cold application,
because, having a contrary effect to warm,
it stagnates and coagulates the blood, impedes
the circulation of the fluids, and may produce
abscess, besides making the vessels knotty,
and the sinews hard.

N.B. Farriers' hot oils burn — and blisters-
drain — both are to be carefully avoided.

Rubbing the heels with the hand, as was
formerly very erroneously practised, distends
the vessels, and causes a local over-circula-
tion of their fluids with relaxation, and heat,
producing disease, and ultimately, disuse of
the joints, whichj» however, is almost always
ascribed to other causes. Why should the

TREATMENT. 13

blood of a healthy horse, after his daily
exercise, be so unnaturally forced into the
vessels of the heels, which are of such a
delicate and tender construction ?

Hoofs only (after being cleared with the
picker) should be washed clean in cold water,
with the hand or a sponge, but never with
the brush; nor should hoofs be oiled daily,
it fevers the hoof and socket, softens the
horn, causes rot and disease of the fetlock
and pattern, and, at least, always makes the
feet tender. Oiling hoofs is never suffered
in the Army.

The custom of " stopping horses' feet "
with cow-dung, is also erroneous and injurious,
and fills the pores of the horn and channels
of the frog with rank filth; in cases of
fever or other unnatural heat in the Foot,
stop the hoof, when necessary, with tow soak-
ed in warm vinegar and water, and keep it
and the leg bathed with the same mixture ;
hoofs should never be hard, dry, and brittle,
nor hot and soft, but should be so managed
(with a little oil, perhaps once a month, if requi-
c

14 TREATMENT.

site), as always to preserve a thorough circula-
tion of the natural fluids, and a sensitiveness
and elasticity in the heel.

The hoof is flexible, notwithstanding its
apparent solidity, and expands and contracts
alternately at the heel whenever the horse
stands upon or lifts it up; the shoe should
not, therefore, be nailed within two inches of
the heel, and should, also, be sufficiently wide
at this part to allow that natural and neces-
sary expansion the mark of which may be
recognised upon old shoes.

The frog of the hoof should never be cut
in the solid part, as is too frequently and
erroneously done, because it contracts the
hoof and the tendon, and ultimately, the
limb itself, which effect is often ascribed to
hard work. The frog naturally continues
to grow and discharge itself by wear; never-
theless, when the frog is overgrown and be-
come ragged, the ragged or fringy parts only
may be cut off, without injury, whenever shoes
are to be removed. It is a mistaken notion
that the frog of the foot must not touch the

TREATMENT. 15

ground^ and, therefore, ordinary farriers cut it
to the very quick, and hollow it out, especially
on the Continent, even until the foot bleeds ;
destroying the elasticity of the limb ; which, in
consequence, rests only upon the outer edge
of the hoof (as when a cup is turned upside
down) the centre being unsupported — which
may be compared to a human foot, resting
on the toe and heel only, without any support
to the ball.

Shoes should be carefully fitted, and put on
perfectly cold ; for, searing a hoof with a red
hot shoe in order to fit it without the trouble
of paring — or, as Farriers say, to soften the
horn — burns this substance, and, drying the
oily fluids which should nourish the hoof,
contracts it; and, besides, the shoe becomes
loose by the crumbling of the burnt horn.
In nailing on shoes the points of the nails
should be brought out through the solid horn,
as low and near the edge of the hoof as
possible, not driven high up, splitting the
"quick," or the inner from the outer side,
before the points of the nails are brought
through.

16

BRIDLES:

CONSTRUCTION OF HEADSTALLS, REINS,

THROAT-STRAPS, CURB-BITS AND BRI-

DOONS OR SNAFFLE-BITS FIXING THEM

IN THE BRIDLE, AND IN THE MOUTH

MARTINGAL, AND ITS USE.

A Bridle for riding should consist of a
bit with a curb chain, and a bridoon snaffle,
two separate headstalls united by one brow-
band, each with a separate rein, which is com-
monly called " a double-bitted bridle."

The fixing of bits properly in the head-
stalls of the bridle, so that they are neither too
high nor too low when in the horse's mouth,
are arrangements of the utmost consequence
for the management of the horse, and the
comfort and safety of the rider.

If the bits are not proportionably placed in
the horse's mouth he is bewildered, and can-

BRIDLES. 1'7

not obey the intentions of the rider, which is
dangerous to both. When* the bits are too
high the horse is gagged, holds up his nose,
and runs ungovernably with his mouth open
("star-gazing.") When the bits are too low
they are uneasy to the horse, and he employs
himself in snapping to catch them in his
grinders, becoming inattentive to his steps, and
whenever the rider draws the reins to shorten
the pace or stop the horse, the low position of
the bits causes the head to stoop, bringing the
chin so acutely to his chest, that he is in
danger of stumbling and falling ; therefore the
bridoon-bit should be placed in the headstall,
so as to be half an inch below the corner or
end of the horse's mouth, when the bridle is
upon the head, and the curb-bit half an inch
below the bridoon. When the bridle is on
the head, the curb-chain is to be hooked
loosely underneath the bridoon-bit, which
must work above, and independently of the
curb-bit and chain. Curb-bits should have
long cheeks to operate, as a lever, with greater
power on the curb-chain. The bridoon is
c 3

18 BRIDLES.

also auxiliary to the curb-bit, but each have
their separate properties.

The Curb-bit> being below the bridoon-bit,
and acting on the jaw with the curb-chain,
controuls powerfully — draws in the horse's
head, with his neck beautifully arched, when
held with judgment. It also makes him light
in hand and on his fore legs, with a readiness
in his haunches to spring — " Fire in his eye,
and" grace in all his steps." [See Appendix, D.]

The Bridoon, acting on the extreme end of
the horse's mouth, lifts the nose, head, and
neck to a position of natural freedom and light-
ness, and is to be invariably used in rough, soft,
and unstable ground, where there are various
obstacles ; and especially in leaping, when the
horse must not be restrained in his spring. It
may be said, "why not always use bridoons
(or snaffles) ?" — I answer, because they have
not always sufficient power to controul.

Throat-straps should not be buckled too
tight, but only sufficiently so to prevent the
headstalls of the bridle from getting out of
place through any accident.

MART1NGALS. 19

Martingals, though frequently used, are
very seldom necessary for gentlemen's bridles :
because, if a horse is educated — " broke in" —
and his tt mouth made properly/' as it is called,
he will be obedient to the bridle, and his head
remain in the proper position ; but if from
imperfectness of sight, a horse carries his
head high and awkwardly, to accommodate his
vision ; or, if from an irritable disposition, he
waves his head, and disregards the bridle, a
martingal will certainly operate as a check,
in aid of the bridle, and may therefore be used ;
but even in such cases the reins in the sensitive
and acute hand of an experienced rider will,
in general, be quite sufficient. Many vicious
horses may be found among a regiment of
cavalry, yet rarely, if ever, any martingals.
But awkward and timid riders, without science,
or seats, are the persons who generally shackle
the willing and sprightly horse with a mar-
tingal, to enable themselves " to hold on," by
hanging on the bridle. Therefore, from what-
ever cause a martingal is used, it should have
a separate headstall and noseband (quite in-

20 SADDLES.

dependent of, and distinct from, the bridle)
and never be hooked on the reins of the
bridoon or curb-bit ; because, on either of
them, it would operate against the principle of
the bridle, by forming an acute angle in the
rein the martingal is attached to, and drawing
the bit downwards, rendering it useless by
relieving the mouth from its pressure ; besides,
affording a horse the convenience of stooping
his head to kick up behind.

SADDLES

THEIR FORM, AND POSITION ON THE HORSE

GIRTHS, BREAST-PLATES, CRUPPERS,

STIRRUPS — IRONS AND LEATHERS.

Saddles, though of various forms, should
not be too high before, nor too low behind, but
should be so shaped as to place the rider full
upon his own seat, and in the centre of the

SADDLES.

21

horse's motion. Saddles, beneath in the centre,
should not touch the horse's back ;^ because,
the flexibility of the vertebrae must not be
obstructed, nor the spine galled by the pressure
of the saddle, a sore back being sometimes
difficult to cure. The flat sides of the pad or
stuffing only must rest upon the horse's ribs,
leaving in the centre a thorough channel.

Girths should be of the same colour as the
horse, and of strong firm materials.

Stirrup-leathers should be strong, sometimes
change sides, and be put on with the buckles
underneath. Stirrup-leathers, girths, and sad-
dles, should not be elastic ; such inventions are
insecure and delusive.

Stirrup-irons should be moderately strong,
but not heavy ; and they should be made low
in the arch to prevent the possibility of any
foot slipping entirely through, and the dreadful
accident of hanging in the stirrup. What can
be the use of an extremely high-arched stirrup-
iron ? but width is necessary.

Breast-plates (or straps) are ornamental, and
sometimes useful, in conjunction with the

22 RIDING.

crupper ; but cruppers are always distressing
to the vertebrae, and never ornamental ; there-
fore they should be dispensed with when pos-
sible.

RIDING.

HOLDING MOUNTING USE OF BRIDLE-
REINS, STIRRUPS WALKING, CANTERING,

GALLOPING, ETC.

Riding on horseback has been termed
equilibrium, meaning an equal balance of the
person on the saddle, and implies uncertainty
and insecurity — " a pair of tongs placed on a
saddle", as was the " Pembroke system" — the
rider precariously trusting to his power of ba-
lancing himself. But by reducing a better
theory to practice, a skilful rider may sit a
horse with as firm a seat in the saddle as if
the rider had grown there.

HIDING. 23

Of the way of Holding a Horse by the
bridle, many persons, grooms, &c, are ignorant,
or careless. When the reins remain on the
horse's neck, the person to hold the horse is
firmly to grasp with his hand both sides of the
reins of the bridoon underneath, and within
six inches of the horse's chin, inserting his fore-
finger between the reins, not holding only on
one side. When the reins are not on the
withers, but turned over the head, the person
is to hold the horse by the bridoon reins, in
the same manner as prescribed for leading.

Leading a Horse by the bridle is also too
carelessly and by some ignorantly performed,
whence accidents ensue. The person should
turn the bridoon (or snaffle) rein from the
withers over the horse's head, grasp both sides
of the rein with the right hand, placing his
fore-finger between, and holding it within six
inches of the chin ; then, taking the loop-end
of the rein in the left hand, proceed J)y the
horse'^ side, so as to be ready if he should
start or attempt to fly away, to place his own
shoulder firmly against him, and hold him in.

24 MOUNTING.

Mounting and Dismounting are described
analytically, and to be performed in separate
parts, or motions distinctly, by a learner in
slow time, taking care to adjust himself in
each position before proceeding to the next ;
but the same figures, positions, and actions,
are to be strictly conformed to, when mounting
and dismounting are performed in quick time.

MOUNTING, IN SIX PARTS OR MOTIONS, VIZ.,

No. 1 . — Having approached, and placed him-
self with his breast to the fore-part of
the horse's shoulder, the rider will, as
the reins lie upon the horse's withers,
with his right hand take up the loop-
end of the curb-rein (the best to
prevent the horse advancing while
being mounted) and placing his left
hand on the withers under his right
m hand, receive in it the bridle-rein,
inserting at the same time the. little
finger between the rein, this right
hand continuing to hold this loop end.
Keep both hands thus together resting

MOUNTING. '-'.)

on the withers, with the thumbs up-
ward, and elbows (loosely) down by
the sides.

N.B. The rider here stands up
straight, with both hands holding
the reins on the withers.

No. 2. — The rider must, with the right hand,
draw up the rein through the left hand
(which continues on the withers) by
raising the right hand perpendicularly
upward (in front of his own face)
until the rein is sufficiently tightened
to prevent the horse from moving,
then close the left hand, and hold the
rein firm.

N.B. The rider remains standing
as in No. 1, with his left hand on the
withers, but with his right hand
raised straight upward, and holding
the end of the rein, ready to —

No. 3. — Throw the rein (which is drawn by
the right hand through the left) over
to the right side of the horse ; and
with the right hand fill the left, (which

D

26 MOUNTING.

still remains on the withers) with the
mane, and firmly grasp mane and rein.

These preliminaries may be termed "Pre-
paring to mount"

N.B. The rider stands in the same
position as in No. 1 ; but with his
right hand ready to descend to the
stirrup.

No. 4. — Let the right hand descend to and
seize the stirrup, turning the person
on the left foot, at the same time, to
the right and the left side to the horse,
facing his rear : this position enables
an active spring into the saddle. Put
the left foot into the stirrup, and place
the right hand on, and grasp the
cantle of the saddle.

N.B. The rider now stands, with
his left hand holding the mane and
rein upon the withers, his left foot in
the stirrup, and his right hand holding
the cantle of the saddle, ready to —

No. 5. — Spring up with the right foot from
the ground, aided by both hands—

: , ■; V'.

Mounting-

MOUNTING. 2/

the left continuing to hold the bridle
and mane, and the right the cantle —
and stand erect with the left foot in
the left stirrup and the right leg and
foot touching the left as wheg standiug
on the ground with both feet together.
N.B. This erect position must be
attained before the right leg can be
thrown over the saddle.
No. 6. — Throw over the right leg, and sit
gently down in the saddle, letting the
right arm fall gracefully by the side ;
and at the same time loose the mane
by letting it slip out of the hand, but
continue to hold the bridle-rein, then
put the right foot into the stirrup.

No stooping distortions of person,
or stiffness.

N.B. It is advisable on being
mounted, for the rider to take his left
foot out of the stirrup, and to extend
, both limbs straight downward till he
is fully and freely in the seat of the
saddle, and then take the stirrups.

28 MOUNTING.

Thus by six progressive actions as above, the
rider mounts ; but these must be strictly and
habitually performed by him, with all the grace
of elegant horsemanship, whenever mounting
(and likewise dismounting) in quick time,
without the riding-school pauses between
each motion. The whole system of mounting
may be thus comprised :

1st, Seize the bridle-rein on the withers.

2ndly, Draw up the rein.

3rdly, Throw over the end, and fill the left
hand with the mane.

4thly, Put the left foot in the stirrup, and
the right hand on the cantle.

5thly, Spring up erect in the left stirrup.

6thly, Throw over the right leg, and sit
down in the saddle.

The rider having mounted should at once
assume the proper position on horseback,
which is an erect, elegant, and above all, an
easy one. But it will be more progressive
and necessary, to commence with instructions
of the use of the bridle for the immediate
security of the rider and horse ; and in the

MOLDING BRIDLE. 29

presumption of the rider choosing, as is recom-
mended, to practice alone, for a person may
teach himself in his own stable, or stable yard,
however small, with the horse standing still,
to mount, hold his bridle, and attain the per-
fect position; and to dismount correctly, and
gracefully, before he sets out.

Holding Bridle-reins of double-bitted bridle
when mounted. The bridle and bridle-hand
are now to be adjusted. The rider be-
ing in his saddle, and continuing to hold
the bridle (as in mounting, No. 6), is in-
structed that the left hand, only, is to hold
the bridle-rein, which should always be the
curb-rein (except in leaping and going over
rough or broken ground, where the horse
must have full liberty of his head), because
that is most powerful, and no one can have
a horse too much in his power; but if the
horse* s mouth is very sensitive or "tender,"
the rider must use the bridle accordingly —
as if only a thread — and not hold himself on
by it. The whole of the left hand is to grasp
the bridle-rein with the little finger inserted
d 3

30

HOLDING BRIDLE.

between it, and the remainder of the rein,
which comes through the shut hand, is to be
firmly held by the thumb on the fore-finger,
with the end turning over the outside of the
knuckles, thus,

The hand with thumb upwards, and wrist
very supple, to conform to, and allow the
natural motion of the horse's head, without
moving the arm, must be held in a horizontal
line with the elbow. Elbow close to the
body, to hang easy and steady, and drawn
back until the hand is in the centre of the
body. The hand is never to be turned with
the back upwards, nor held low down. The

, • ..

it

m*

POSITION- OF RIDER. 31

bridoon-rein (loop end) is to be taken into the
palm of the left hand, outside the curb-bit
rein, allowing the remainder of the rein to
fall loosely and gracefully on each side of the
horse's neck. The right arm is to hang easily
by the side, with the whip point downwards,
taking great and constant care not to permit
the holding and using of the bridle in the
left hand, to cause the left shoulder to be more
forward than the right; for the shoulders,
and the whole person of the rider, are to be
preserved perfectly even (or, as it is termed,
"square") to the front.

N.B. — Remember that the very common habit
of carrying the reins and whip in the
right hand, is of no use, and is inelegant.

The Bridle-hand having been adjusted,
the position of the rider in the saddle, is
the next point. He must sit fully and equally
upon his own seat, body erect, shoulders back,
chest projecting, and small of the back bent,
the thighs to be extended downwards, so that
the middle of the inner sides of the thighs
(not the back, nor under part) may grasp the

32 POSITION OF RIDER.

saddle, with knees bent, so as to place the
legs a little more forward than "straight up
and down," and feet parallel with the horse's
sides ; the toes raised and heels pressed down.
To which may be added the riding-master's
usual laconic directions of, "body back — el-
bows down — toes up — and heels out." But
if, on the contrary, the knees are opened out-
wards, the under-part of the thighs on the
saddle, the heels drawn up, and turned in,
and the toes outwards, such positions are
insecure, dangerous, ugly, and vulgar.

When the rider's person and limbs are put
into the proper position (which should be done
without the stirrups) and he is sufficiently
experienced, then the stirrup-irons may be
placed, for the ball only of each foot to rest
upon. The length of the stirrup must be
ascertained, previously, by measuring. Extend
the thigh and leg straight downwards, and
fix the length by the bottom of the stirrup-
iron, being one inch above (shorter than) the
ancle. [See Appendix, A.]

DISMOUNTING. 33

The rider being now in his proper position,
is impressively informed that, in his future
progress, when the horse is put into motion,
he must not be disturbed in his seat, nor
altered by any movement, nor yet become stiff,
but remain easy, supple, and elastic ; because,
in his own person he must ride independently
of either bridle or stirrups — although he makes
use of both — and is not to hang on the one,
nor cling by the others. The bridle is only
used for guidance — and the stirrups to rest
the feet upon.

Dismounting is in all its motions the exact
reverse of mounting, and is to be performed
in four distinct parts, namely : —

Supposing the rider to be mounted, with the
reins in his left hand.

No. 1. — With the right hand take hold of
the spare end of the riding-rein, and
by raising' the hand with elbow in
a line, draw the rein straight upwards,
through the left hand sufficiently to
prevent the horse moving.

34 DISMOUNTING.

No. 2. — Throw the drawn end of the Rein
over to the right, fill the left hand
with the mane, and instantly placing
the right hand upon the pommel, loosen
the right foot, only, from the stirrup*
No. 3.— Still keeping fast hold with the left-
hand of rein and mane — press the
right hand upon the pommel and spring
up from the saddle on the left leg?
which remains in the stirrup, bring-
ing the right quickly over, and clear
of saddle, to the left leg, and at the
same time shift the right hand from
the pommel to the cantle of the sad-
dle, then, resting on both hands, stand
upright in the left stirrup (as in mount-
ing, No. 5, page 26).
No. 4.— Descend lightly (aided by the hold
of both hands) straight down to the
ground, with the right foot, take the
left foot out of the stirrup, and the
right hand from the cantle, and loosen-
ing the hold of the mane, turn to the
left with riirht shoulder to the horse,

AGAIN MOUNTED HORSE IN MOTION. 35

Dismounting in quick time (without the
pauses).

1st, — Draw up rein.

2nd, — Throw over the end of it, and fill left
hand with mane, and take right foot
out of stirrup.
3rd, — Spring up from saddle, on left foot
in stirrup, bring right leg over to
left leg.
4th, — Descend.

The rider having again mounted, the horse
may be put into motion; for which purpose
the bridoon-rein may be used by a learner in
early stages of practice, with the curb-rein
loose in the palm of the hand (as bridoon is
described in page 30) and the stirrups dis-
pensed with by crossing them over the horse's
withers, if in the circle of a private paddock
or riding-school ; if on the road, however,
subject to interruptions, use the stirrups, but
frequently take the feet out of them, whenever
opportunities occur, so as to acquire, by de-
grees, the independence of not relying on them
for support ; and to ensure the preservation

36 USE OF LEGS.

and security of the proper position, with or
without stirrups, in every step as the horse
proceeds. To cause the horse to move for-
ward— which# should always, by learners, be
at a walk — the rider must raise the horse's
head with the bridle, to give him notice, and
pressing, not kicking, him with the inner sides
of both legs at once, at the same instant
"give him his head," by easing the bridle-
hand, then he will immediately proceed. The
horse's pace is to be regulated by the rider's
gently tightening, drawing in, the rein when
he is to go slower, and slackening the rein,
easing the hand, and closing both legs, when
he is to go faster — taking care never to sur-
prise the horse's mouth by sudden transitions
from slack to tight. To tighten or slacken
reins considerably, the rider should with the
right hand take hold of the turned-over end
of the rein, (as in No. 1, page 33, in dismount-
ing), and draw in, or let out, through the left
hand, as occasion requires.

The use of the Legs may here be more
fully explained ; the legs from the knees down-

SPURS. 3i

ward, are to hang straight, easy, and steady,
and be clear of the horse's sides ; they are
to be used in conjunction with the bridle for
the purpose of communicating the will of the
rider to, and actuating the horse, by closing
both, or either, on his sides, as may be required*.
If the horse does not obey the legs,

Use the Spur or Spurs, by drawing backward
the foot, or feet, and turning the heels in-
ward to the horse's flank — the rider at the
same time being prepared to accompany the
sudden motion of the horse, and go with him.

Although the use of spurs is here described,
it is not meant that the pupil should wear
them when mounted, in the early stages ot
practice ; because spurs would be improper
and dangerous, until the rider has acquired a
steady seat — learned to keep his heels clear
from the horse's sides — and the complete use
of his legs without spurs ; then he may ven-
ture to put them on, recollecting that they are
not to be used, merely because he has them,

* Never swing or flap the legs, as is practised by donkey-
riders of the lowest grade.

38 spurs.

but only, as prescribed, when the touch of the
leg is not obeyed sufficiently; therefore use
spurs only on extreme occasions.

The rider must always bear in mind, that
every movement of the bridle, and of his legs,
is felt and responded to, by the sensitiveness
of the horse, so that when the rider errs, the
horse goes wrong, therefore the bridle-hand
and the legs must act in conjunction — u Hand
and legs together" — regularly and scientifi-
cally ; namely, when the horse is to go straight
forward— walk, trot, or gallop— close both legs
on him, so that he may be equally touched on
each side, and slacken the reins to give him
the power and liberty of moving. To turn to
the right, turn the horse's head with the
bridle to the right, and at the same instant
close the right leg against him to turn his
croup round to the left. To turn to the left,
turn the horse's head to the left with the
bridle, and with the left leg turn round his
croup to the right— thus making both ends of
the horse turn with facility in aid of each
other; then, when the horse is again to go

i

TO STOP A HORSE. 39

straight forward, close both legs against him,
keep the reins equal, and ease the bridle-hand.
The legs are to hang easily and clear of the
horse's sides, and are not to be used against the
horse unless for the purposes of guidance or
increasing speed.

To stop a Horse. — When a horse, going at
any pace, is to be stopped, the rider should
gently, but firmly and steadily, draw the reins
diagonally upward towards his own breast,* by
raising the bridle-hand and leaning back the
body to give weight to the pull, taking care to
hold firm, and keep the legs clear from the
horse's sides, which will prevent the rider
from being himself jerked, or from " bobbing
forward," by the sudden stop. As soon as the
horse has obeyed the check and remains still,
slacken the reins. If the horse continue to
go back, wrhen he was only intended to stop,
and stand still, or fidgets and moves in any
other way, close both legs against him, and
hold him steadily with the bridle in the same

* Not downwards towards the pommel, nor sideways.

40 STOPPING AND REINING BACK.

spot. So, likewise, if a horse, from any other
cause goes backward, when he should go for-
ward, ease the bridle-hand and strongly close
both legs — or even spurs — upon him ; and
when he goes forward, he is not to be allowed
to start off, but to go at a walk until the rider
chooses to increase the pace.

Stopping and Reining Backwards, should be
practised from all paces — for tuition and ex-
pertness — and to enable the rider to " pull up,"
and to "back" on any sudden occasion. The
horse having been stopped may be "reined
back," which, if properly performed, is literally
walking backwards. To accomplish this the
rider must shorten the rein, as prescribed, then
lifting up the horse's head, lean his own back,
and keeping his legs clear from the horse's
sides, draw the bridle with his hand firmly
and steadily, without tugging, towards his own
breast, and oblige the horse, by the guidance
of the legs, right or left, when he deviates,
to walk backwards in a straight line.

The next degree of riding tuition is from the
Walk to the Trot, for which purpose the rider

THE TROT. 41

must again raise the horsed head, ease the
bridle-hand, and close both legs on him to send
him forward, regulating the pace with the bridle-
hand to a steady trot. When the rider has
practised this for some time with success,
keeping his elbows down, heels down, and
u body back," and sitting full upon his seat
in the saddle, first without and then with
stirrups, he will naturally discover the very
easy method of relieving himself from the
jolting of the trot, by what is usually termed
" easing in the saddle," which the rider must
acquire by raising himself in the saddle on the
inner part of the thighs (not from the stirrups),
alternately to the stepping of the horse, his
own legs and feet remaining steady in the
proper position. But if the rider in a trot
raises himself in the stirrups, he is lifted from
the saddle, loses his firmness and seat, and
b'ecomes dependent on the strength of the
stirrups and his own precarious balance in them,
which any unexpected alteration in the horse's
progress may overset. [See Appendix, B.]
Cantering is the first degree of Galloping^
e 3

42 CANTER AND GALLOP.

and is similar to it in every respect, except
in the length of spring and the speed, a can-
ter being a compact and contracted pace ; and
a gallop being any extension of pace the rider
chooses, even to the full stretch : both are
to be commenced in the same manner, either
from the standing position, or from any pace at
which the horse may be going ; and must be
regulated by the rider's hand, with rein
short, and held with the utmost watchfulness
ready to contract or extend the step, turn to
either hand without altering the pace ; or, to
make a full halt.

The rider must anticipate every spring of
the horse, and in every movement go with him ;
and not through hanging back have to be jerked
or plucked forward by the motion of the horse ;
for as he is placed in the prescribed position
on the horse when standing, so the rider ought
to remain when in motion, upright, steady,
easy, and firm, and full upon his seat — " no
day-light showing between him and the saddle"
— and yet be perfectly elastic from head to foot.
The horse is to move with the rider, and the

CANTER AND GALLOP. 43

rider with the horse inseparably — but in short
a rider properly taught and experienced, has
only, in the canter and gallop, to sit quite at his
ease, and let the horse move under him with-
out being himself in the least disturbed.

Standing in the stirrups during a gallop is
a dangerous attitude, and adapted only for a
jockey in a race, who thus balances himself
on the centre of the saddle (which is the
centre of the horse's motion), to render his
weight less perceptible to the horse ; and the
precarious balance even of a jockey is not only
apparent, but proved, when his horse deviates ;
standing in the stirrups is therefore only
adapted for jockeys by profession, who race
" neck or nothing/' and whose dress and
figure in some degree become the attitude.

The Canter and Gallop, with the rider sitting
full on his seat, and well " down in his saddle, "
(page 33) must be performed by the horse with
his right leg foremost — head up, and " well on
his haunches " — which is natural to horses
and all quadrupeds ; and they all do so unless a
rider, with both whip and rein in right hand, —

44 CANTER AND GALLOP.

a most ridiculous fashion — erroneously strikes
or spurs the horse on the right side, and causes
him to commence the canter with his left leg.
To cause a horse to canter or gallop from
standing, from the walk, or from the trot, the
rider must raise the horse's head with the
bridle (short in hand), and at the same time
close his left leg strongly on the horse's side —
and keep it there until he obeys, and sets off
with his right leg. When the rider has
occasion to turn to the left in the canter or
gallop, or go round a circle to the left, the
horse must then be made to change and put
foremost his left leg, by the rider closing his
Dwn right leg on the horse's side, and holding
it there until he obeys ; then, when the horse
is again to go straight, the rider must oblige
him to change from left to right leg foremost,
by closing his own left leg against him.
Observe, that whenever a horse, while canter-
ing or galloping, is turning, or going round a
circle to the left, he must do it with the
left leg foremost ; but on all other occasions.

CANTER AND GALLOP. 45

in turning to the right or going straight for-
ward, with the right leg.

An experienced rider can cause his horse to
change the foremost leg in a canter or gallop,
by the alternate application of his own right
or left leg, as prescribed, each time raising his
bridle-hand to give the horse notice, and yet
continue in a straight line, and without altering
the speed. Never suffer a horse to fall into
the error of himself changing to the wrong
leg foremost in a gallop.

In going round a circle in a canter or gallop,
the rider must lean his body inwards in the
same proportion as the horse leans, so that
from the crown of the rider's head to the
horse's hoof is in a straight line, using only his
own outer leg, and keeping the inner one clear
from the horse.

Whenever a rider in a canter or gallop is
desirous of changing the horse's pace to a
walk, without stopping, he must gently draw in
the bridle-hand, and close the right leg against
him to check momentarily the prominent

46 LEAPING.

action of the horse's right leg, then instantly
touch both his sides by closing both legs at
once upon him, and ease the bridle, or continue
to hold him in, according to the speed of the
walk or the trot intended.

The walk, trot, canter, and gallop must
each be practised, and perfectly acquired, be-
fore proceeding to the next degree. "All
should walk before they gallop."

Leaping, which to untaught riders appears
extremely difficult and dangerous, is to be
easily acquired by practice founded on science.

The equestrian scholar may be first taught
by practice to leap a small space in the canter
to accustom him to the sudden spring, and then
a height.

Leaping space should be performed while
the horse is in a canter or gallop, but leaping a
height may be performed either from standing,
or from any pace at which a horse may be
going.

The skill of leaping consists principally in
the rider's own acute anticipation of the horse's
spring when he is raised upon his haunches,

&

LEAPING. 47

and in being prepared for the spring of the
horse's hind legs, in every nerve going over
with him as a part of the horse's self — he must
not, by being late and hanging back, have to be
plucked forward by that spring, which ope-
rating en the angle of his person pitches the
rider over the horse's head, before the fore-
quarters of the horse reach the ground.

Preparatory to the leap the rider should
take up the bridoon-rein, and, slackening the
curb-rein to the full extent, retain only the
loop-end of it in the palm of his hand and
leap with the bridoon only ; because that acting
in the corner of the horse's mouth lifts up
his head, and allows him more freedom ;
whereas the curb-bit acting lower down in the
mouth and griping the jaw, draws his head
and chin inwards to his breast, and restrains
his powers of extension, so that if the horse
in leaping with the curb-rein stumble, he must
fall with his head under him. The rider, there-
fore, with the bridoon, must approach the
"leap" in such a manner as neither to hurry
nor flurry the horse ; but to allow him a full

48 LEAPING.

view of the place he is to go over, which view
he takes in a twinkling. If space, the rider,
" giving the horse his head," and closing both
legs against him strongly, springs most easily
with the horse, and throwing back his shoulders
and bending his own loins, as the horse's feet
come to the ground, he retains his seat immo-
veable.

On arriving perhaps on soft ground the
rider instantly lifts up the horse's head, to
lighten the fore-quarters, and again, but gently,
closes his legs on the horse's sides to bring in
the hind quarters strongly under him ; then
takes up the curb-rein and proceeds for a few
paces, if only for a lesson.

A Standing Leap, or to leap over a height from
the standing position, the rider, with the bri-
doon, must lift up the horse's head, close both
legs upon him, and, as he rises on his haunches
for the leap, the rider should give him ample
room in the reins fully to extend his neck and
shoulders, and exert himself. As he makes
the spring, the rider (not moving from his seat)
must heave his own person with the horse,

STARTING. 49

keep his own seat well forward, and, bending
his loins, throw his shoulders backward as the
horse descends, to balance himself in that
descent. As soon as the horse is over, lift up
his head gently with the bridle and close the
legs against him lightly, to assist him in re-
covering himself fully upon his legs again.

Thus, leaping a height may be performed
with ease and pleasure to both man and horse,
only requiring practice, by beginning low, and
gradually increasing the height ; it is the ne-
cessary preliminary lesson, and naturally leads
to the flying leap, or —

Leaping over a height from the Gallop. —
This differs from the "standing leap," prin-
cipally in agility ; because, although performed
in the same manner, it is immediate in rise and
spring, so that the rider must be able to adjust
his own notions, and instantly make the neces-
sary arrangements of himself and horse, as
he approaches the obstacle, or "leap," springs
over, and recovers his horse's footing.

If a Horse starts or " shies " to one side of
the road, or turns round, the rider must

F

50

STARTING.

keep him short in hand (without any sudden
check,) and strongly close the leg against him on
that side to which he is springing or turning ;
and while continuing to press that leg against
him, or even the spur, to check his side move-
ment, ease the hand, and close both legs on him
to set him straight, the rider preserving his own
patience, calmness, and presence of mind. This
will generally restore the horse to tranquillity
and confidence. [See Appendix, C]

Never punish a horse for being afraid of
any object he meets with, because he is most
likely to suppose that the punishment pro-
ceeded from, or was occasioned by, the
object he feared; but, without severity, press
him on unhesitatingly, as if it were a matter
not worth notice; or by gently showing the
object at a distance, let him stand quiet and
unrestrained to convince himself and recover
his tranquillity ; and then proceed slowly, not
suffering him to fly away, retaining his fear.
Horses are often considered restive, when they
are only afraid and want confidence. [See Ap-
pendix, E, F, G.]

GENERAL REMARKS. 51

When a rider by any chance is removed from
his seat, he naturally uses every endeavour to
get properly placed in it again, which he must
do by opening his limbs, and pressing himself
down in his saddle ; but if he leans forward,
crouches and clings with his knees and legs,
and even with his hands, he will be the sooner
dismounted; for the jerk, and every other
motion of the horse lifting him up, this mode
of proceeding will keep him so, till becoming
confused, like Dr. Slop, he loses his presence
of mind, loses his bridle, loses his seat, and off
he slides. Stooping the body forward is at all
times the readiest means of being dismounted.

GENERAL REMARKS.

In riding on horseback, great and habitual
care must be observed, as has already been re-
peated, never to check or tug the bridle-reins,
but gradually draw them, when tightness is
requisite, and hold them firmly. A horse is
exceedingly attentive to sight, sound, and
touch, therefore, jerking, or suddenly checking

52 GENERAL REMARKS.

the reins, confounds him, and causes him to
mistake the wishes of his rider ; and tugging
bewilders and makes the horse furious. Yet
such a rider will frequently ascribe his own
fault to the horse, and again most unreason-
ably tug, jerk, saw, whip, kick, and spur him,
destroying the temper and docility of that
naturally gentle, sensitive, and noble animal ;
although it has been proved again and again
that horses do not require severity, but only
plain directions, being tractable enough when
they meet with kind treatment, and tender
tuition.

The present most unaccountable mode of
carrying the whip is turned upwards and
leaning towards the horse's eye. Irregular
paces, startlings, false steps, and perhaps run-
ning away, are thus caused by his whole atten-
tion being absorbed by the shaking whip,
which appears to threaten him. Whenever a
whip is carried it should be with the point
downwards, out of the horse's sight, and ready
to be used on the right flank ; but when re-
quired for the left flank carry the whip straight

GENERAL REMARKS. 53

with the point turned upwards, so as to be
reached over the bridle-hand, and applied to
the left side — but these methods of using the
whip are only necessary when the rider does
not wear spurs. Whip and spurs together are
only necessary for rough-riders and horse-
breakers.

It may be here further explained that, be-
sides the grace given to the figure by resting
the ball of the foot only in the stirrups, it
affords elasticity to the ancle, and freedom to
the heel. But when the foot is wholly in the
stirrup, up to the instep, the leg, ancle, and
foot, are fixed, stiff, useless, and ungraceful.

Bad riders wonder why horses become
gentle as soon as they are mounted by skilful
riders, although they do not appear to exercise
skill ; the reason is, the horse goes at his ease,
yet finds all his motions watched, which he
has sagacity enough to discover. A skilful
rider hides his whip, because the horse is
afraid of it, and keeps his legs from the horse's
sides, because he dreads the spur.

Having given instructions for what riders
f 3

54 GENERAL REMARKS.

ought to do, it may also be useful to describe
what they ought not to do.

It is inconceivable why ordinary riders con-
tinue the erroneous habit of holding their
hands with the bridle low down near the
pommel, where they can have no power to
restrain or guide the horse, unless it be for
the convenience of catching hold of the
pommel for security.

Riders, in general, too, very erroneously
hold the reins of both the bridoon and curb-
bit at the same time in one hand, mystically
placing them at equal lengths, between all their
fingers, which prevents the use of either rein
separately, or any alteration on a sudden occa-
sion—besides, such a complication of both the
bits and reins is contrary to their construction.
But if a rider cannot hold the bridle with a
light hand, merely for the guidance of the
horse, let him use the bridoon only, with curb-
rein flowing from the palm of his hand.

■

55

ADDRESS TO THE LADIES.

LADIES5 BRIDLES AND SADDLES DESCRIBED

POSITION OF A LADY ON HORSEBACK

HOLDING REINS, ETC.

The method of riding on horseback upon a
side-saddle — in the graceful and admirable
fashion of the English Ladies— may truly be
termed "equilibrium;" for, though they are
supported on one side, they balance on the
other: nevertheless, good tuition in the mi-
nutest points of equestrian skill, accompanied
and aided by their own acute comprehension,
resolution, and elasticity, with practice (which
soon perfects a habit), are necessary to esta-
blish ladies in an unconstrained, easy, and
secure seat.

The equestrian education of ladies is too
frequently incomplete, either from its being
entrusted, in the country, to the care of

56

some confidential domestic in the park or
paddock, or to a few scanty lessons in a
riding-school, and the riding-master's "matter-
of-course" compliments on their equestrian abi-
lities. Their want of perfection may also be
owing to their own haste in venturing, prema-
turely, to ride alone without the instructor.
Hence, perhaps, they lose, or at least never ac-
quire gracefulness, nor the perfect management
of the bridle-reins, and imbibe many errors
and uncertainties, without the resources af-
forded by a knowledge of the science of riding,
besides being always in danger. They therefore
should acquire theory to enable them to practice
with confidence. A gentleman may thus in-
struct his wife and daughters in holding the
bridle, and placing themselves in the saddle,
the crutch, and the stirrup, and to arrange their
dress, in his private stable-yard, and practice
in a circle in any spare corner of his garden or
lawn.

Ladies require Saddles adapted in the crutch,
seat, and cantle, to their own individual per-
sons. In some ladies the saddle and its appur-
tenances must be more ample than for others

57

of less stature ; therefore the crutch of every
lady's saddle should suit the limb in shape
and size, and also in its distance from the seat,
which should be full, but not too flat, and
with no projecting ridge on the left side,
which is very inconvenient. It may be ex-
plained, that a puffed edge (although so inge-
nious in the eye of the saddle-maker) is very
frequently uncomfortable to the rider ; there-
fore the seat of the lady's saddle, though flat,
should be so formed, that this may not be felt.
The stamped leather should be strong and
pliable, and not, as it is too generally, a trifling,
flimsy strap ; because the weight of the person
sometimes bears upon it very considerably. The
stirrup should be a three-quarter slipper, and
long in the toe ; it may be high in the instep
or arch, but not too wide. The breast-plate,
crupper, and surcingle, with broad, strong
girths, are indispensable securities to a lady's
saddle.

Ladies9 Bridles should have a strong curb-
bit, with long cheeks, and a bridoon, with reins
adapted for weak hands to use against the
power of the horse. The reins should be soft

58 ladies' martingals.

and of a good quality, breadth and thickness
so as to fill the hand, but not clumsy, nor yet
strips which slip through the feminine grasp; on
this account tape-reins are insufficient and dan-
gerous ; the curb-rein should have a " runner."
Ladies' bridles certainly appear more handsome
and suitable when ornamented with shells, pearls,
&c, than if plain, like those of gentlemen.
Ladies may also require martingals to assist
their strength, by exercising a continual re-
straint upon the horse ; which martingals (as
for gentlemen) must have a separate headstall
and noseband, and operate independently of
the bridle ; because, as has been before ex-
plained, the martingal must never be hooked
to either of the reins, or any part of the bridle,
as this renders the bridle inefficient.* (Page
20.)

* A lady, a good horsewoman, was run away with by her
horse, notwithstanding curb-bit, bridoon, and martingal, and
her using all her strength; because the martingal was
hooked to the reins of the curb-bit, and therefore the more
she pulled, the more the horse's mouth was relieved from the
gripe of the curb-chain, by the angle the martingal caused in
the reins, the bit drawing downwards. This would likewise
be the result if the martingal were fixed to the bit.

POSITION OF A LADY OX HORSEBACK. 59

Ladies' riding-habit skirts should not be
confined with any strap or ribbon attached to
the saddle, but by some other means, if any-
thing is necessary. The skirt pinned in a fold,
and separately confined, is adviseable, in case
of accidents. Riding dresses have been much
improved of late.

The Position of a Lady on Horseback should
be erect, easy, elastic, and graceful ; the chest
projecting, loins bent, elbows always down and
steady, and shoulders and back equally "square"
to the front, as if she were not, with her limbs,
sitting sideways. She should sit firmly and
equally upon her seat, and not as if hitched to,
or suspended on, one side of the horse, nor
yet too far over on the other side. The right
limb should form nearly a right-angle over the
crutch or head of the saddle, but the knee should
not be raised ; the upper part of the limb should
rest wholly upon the saddle ; the left limb, with
the knee bent and turned inwards, and foot
advanced — toe up and heel down, parallel to
the horse's side in the stirrup, which must be
proportionately fitted, so as to support her on

60 MANAGEMENT OF BRIDLE.

the mounting side, without forcing her over to
the other.

The most important performance for a lady on
horseback is the management of the bridle, on
which her own security very much depends,
and which, besides using awkwardly, few
seem to understand, or are sufficientlly care-
ful about, to avoid danger. But as they
cannot have the horse too much in their
power, ladies are to hold and use their bridles
in the same manner as is prescribed for gentle-
men (see page 29) ; and on being mounted,
they should take up and adjust the reins
scientifically, securely, and gracefully, viz., as
the reins rest upon the horse's neck, take up
the loop-end of the curb-rein with the right
hand, and placing the left hand under the
right, receive the bridle in it, inserting the
little finger between the rein, then close the
left hand, and with the right draw the rein per-
pendicularly upwards through the left hand,
throwing the spare end of the rein over on
the outside of the knuckles. The left hand,
thumb upwards (page 30), and wrist always

HOLDING THE BRIDLE. 61

supple, to conform with, or allow of the motion
of the horse's head, without moving the arm,
must be held horizontally with the elbows, which
should be steady, easy, close to the body, and
drawn back until the hand is opposite the cen-
tre of the body. The bridle-hand, in holding
and using the bridle, is never to be turned with
the back upwards, nor Jjeld low down. The
loop-end of the bridle-rein is to be taken into
the palm of the left hand, outside the curb-rein,
and to fall in a festoon on each side of the horse's
neck. The right arm, and hand with the whip
turned downwards — not shaking in the horse's
eye — should be extended, and hang easily by
the right side ; or the hand with the whip,
whether turned up or down, may occasionally
be held symmetrically with the bridle-arm, and
both elbows down. This position of the hands
and elbows exhibits lightness and elasticity of
person, which are always admirable and con-
ducive to security of seat in equestrian exer-
cise. When a lady's strength is insufficient,
at any particular moment, to "hold-in" the
horse with her left hand only, she should assist

G

02 USING BRIDLE.

it by taking up the bridoon-rein with the right
hand, the forefinger inserted between, retain-
ing in the same hand the whip — point down-
wards. She should also keep and use the
bridoon-rein and its bit above and independent
of the curb-bit ; and, when she has no further
occasion for the bridoon, can re-place that rein
in the left hand as before.

Previously to giving directions respect-
ing the progress of a lady on horseback, it
may here be necessary to explain, that as
the position of a lady on horseback upon a
side-saddle, occasions a continual and partial
action on one side of the horse, it may
cause him to go obliquely. This must be re-
medied by the bridle, and by the proportionate
touch of the whip on the other side, so as to
equalize the horse in his path. A lady, if
desirous for her horse to move forward at a
walk, should gently raise (not jerk) his head
with the bridle, and, when necessary, touch
with the left foot, if possible, in conjunction
with the whip on the right side, then raising
her hand, the horse will proceed straight, both

RIDING. 63

his sides being equally touched at the same
time.

In order to guide her horse to the right, a
lady must turn his head that way with the
bridle, by moving her hand to the right, and
his croup to the left, by a touch of the whip on
the right flank.

To turn to the left, a lady must guide the
horse's head that way, and his croup to the
right, by means of her left foot.

To make a full stop, and also " rein-back," a
lady must firmly and steadily draw the bridle-
reins (diagonally) upwards towards her own
chest, adding the weight of her person by lean-
ing back, and obliging the horse to stop ; and
when he has done so, ease the bridle-hand, that
he may remain stationary. But if the horse is
to "rein-back," she must continue the steady
pull, and oblige him to walk straight backwards
as far as required ; which done, she must
slacken the reins, and let him stand still.
a Reining-back" is a useful accomplishment in
the art, and should be often practised as a
lesson, by stopping, " reining-baek," and again

64 CANTER OR GALLOP.

stopping and advancing alternately, fully to
establish the skilful and certain management of
the horsed head.

To Canter or Gallop, a lady must tighten the
left rein, and lift it straight with the bridle,
and at the same instant firmly touch the horse
with her left foot, and keep it against him until
he obeys. On turning the whip, reach over
the bridle-hand, and smartly touch the horse
on his left side. He will then instantly pro-
ceed with his right foot foremost in a natural
canter : the pace may be regulated as the lady
chooses, by gently drawing in (tightening) the
reins, when the horse is to go slower — and
easing (slackening) them when he is to go
faster. She must however take care not to
surprise the horse's mouth by sudden transi-
tions from slack to tight. Whenever a lady
has occasion to shorten the reins considerably
— "to take them short in hand," — she must
with the right hand take hold of the spare end
of the reins, and draw them sufficiently through
her left, (as in page 33.) The lady must always
preserve her upright position, loins bent,

CANTER OR GALLOP. 65

shoulders back, elbows down, and adapting her
own elasticity to the motion of the horse, be
supple and graceful. But ladies are necessarily
both ungraceful and insecure, if they bend for-
wards while setting off their horses in a canter
or gallop. The horse moves under the rider,
but the rider must go with the horse.

In the canter or gallop, the horse must be
held with his head and crest up — light on his
fore-legs, and "well upon his haunches/' —
and not be allowed to lean the whole of his
weight upon his fore-legs and be light behind,
or, as it is termed, "heavy-in-hand/' but if
kept by a supple wrist light-in-hand, his figure
and action are elegant and easy, both to the
rider and himself, and his power is more under
command. Never gallop up hill, for though
the ascending motion may be pleasant to the
rider, the exertion strains the horse's hind quar-
ters.

Ladies must not use the whip to the right

side of the horse in a canter or gallop, when he

is to gallop with his right leg foremost in a

straight line (page 44). But when, (or practice

g3

66 OF USING WHIP AND SPUR.

sake, a lady canters or gallops round a circle to
the left, then by touching the horse on the
right side, tightening the right rein, and rais-
ing his head, he will instantly set off with the
left leg foremost; but this, as well as trot-
ting, is an uneasy pace for ladies, besides being
inelegant. If ladies would make use of the
left leg and foot on horseback — which some do
even with a spur — and as horsewomen, pro-
perly instructed, might and should do, then the
whip, turned downwards in the right hand,
could co-operate with the left foot most advan-
tageously and properly. But if a lady cannot
use her left foot against the horse, she should
(though generally carrying her whip as pre-
scribed, with the point downwards), yet when
required for the left side, hold it " straight up
and down," as is commonly said, or straight
upwards in the right hand, and be careful that
it does not droop or quiver towards the horse's
eye, keeping him in alarm and uncertainty.
She will then be enabled, with the right hand,
to reach over the bridle-hand, and use the whip
on the left side, (as well as on the right) but

FURTHER OBSERVATIONS ON BRIDLES. 67

this must only be when peculiar circumstances
require it.

By " touch " with the whip is meant a slight
intimation — not whipping — but if a horse does
not obey, then the touch with the whip must
be smart.

No lady should venture on a horse that re-
quires whipping, or that is not perfectly and
securely educated for carrying a lady.

Too much cannot be said concerning holding
and using the bridle, which is so much neg-
lected, and understood by so few; for it is
distressing to behold a lady on horseback in
the dangerous predicament of holding the rein
in a bundle or wisp, and as some do, in their
lap, or striving to place them between her
fingers in some mystical way, without knowing
the regular manner, which is at once so sim-
ple, so secure, and so graceful.

The anxiety of the author for the perfection
of scholars in the science, will, he hopes, be
fully appreciated ; and that they will be per-
manently benefited and secured in its exercise,
by his having in every stage of his instructions

68 OBSERVATIONS.

so distinctly repeated the use and the manner
of using the bridle.

Ladies are also referred to the instructions
for driving, and remarks on harness and car-
riages. Many accidents happen from the care-
lessness of servants, which a mere glance of
timely observation might prevent.

Ladies5 horses should be protected from flies,
particularly in the autumn, by a white or brown
net, made in one piece, which may be of a co-
lour contrary to the horse — black or brown on
white horses, white on dark ones. It should
cover the horse wholly, head, body, and croup,
and is very ornamental.

HARNESS.

71

HARNESS.

BRIDLES HEADSTALLS WINKERS CURB-
BITS DRIVING REINS, ETC.

Of Bridles, — Headstalls should be very strong
in buckles and buckle-tongues, as well as lea-
ther, for much depends upon them. The fore-
head-band should not be too short, as is some-
times the case, but amply long, to allow the
headstall to sit so far behind the ears, that they
may have full play and be unconfined, and the
headstall itself be more secure upon the head.
The nose-band must not be too tight and con-
fined to the curb-bit, but allow the full opera-
tion of the curb upon the jaw. The winkers
ought to be placed with the centre rather above
the eyes, to shade them from objects above and
at the sides, directing the sight and attention
to the front and downwards. Winkers ought

72 DRIVING BRIDLES.

not to press upon the horse's eyes, nor yet be
of a concave form enclosing them, but should
be only flat screens, allowing ample room for
the exercise of the lids, without friction, which
latter is frequently one of the miseries to which,
by carelessness, horses are subjected.

Notwithstanding the present partial and in-
judicious disuse of the bearing-rein, a Driving
Bridle should have a separate bridoon-bit, with
a bearing-rein — no headstall — running through
rings or attached to the thread-strap, or sus-
pended from the headstall of the bridle. This
rein, thus forming an acute angle above the
cheek, raises the horse's head, keeps him light
upon his fore-feet, excites the nerves, and causes
him to move with ease and energy ; and this
bit, being also on the angle of the horse's
mouth, is a constant check on any wild indica-
tion of the animal. But the error of fixing both
the bearing-rein and the driving-rein together
upon the curb-bit only, causes each to counteract
the other ; for the bearing-rein holds the bit
above the effect of the lever of its long check
upon the curb-chain, when acted upon by the

DRIVING BITS. /.0

the driving-rein, and protects the mouth and jaw
of the horse from the pressure of the curb-
rein ; therefore,

The Curb-bit should have no other rein at-
tached to it than the driving-rein, which should
invariably be fixed to the bottom of the check,
for the benefit ' and security of exercising the
utmost power on the horse's mouth. Never-
theless, if the mouth is " tender/5 (very sensi-
tive) the driver must guide with his hand light
in proportion. Too much power in the hand
of the driver cannot be possessed; for even
" tender-mouthed " horses may be untractable
and run away, as well as "hard-mouthed," or
frightened, or " high-spirited" horses ; but, by
a firm, steady, and unceasing power of the
reins in the jaw (in the manner hereafter des-
cribed), aided by the separate bridoon with the
running-bearing-rein, the horse or horses can al-
most always be held in obedience. Driving-reins
should be long, and made of sound thick lea-
ther, which cannot stretch. Tape or white-
leather reins, which may be thought ornamen-
tal, are insecure, because they slip through

74 INUTILITY OF CHECK-REINS.

the hand;, especially in rain, when they become
wet.

An extra rein, called a "check-rein/' (be-
cause it is buckled to the bottom of the check
of the curb-bit, in order to operate with more
power in case of need), is generally hung over
the " dashing-iron5' or "foot-board/' This
check-rein, from its ill-contrived position, can-
not be extricated and made use of in any case
of sudden accident ; therefore no driver should
venture, with the insufficient power of the reins
he drives with, being buckled high up on the
bit, because a delusive " check-rein w hangs
over the "dashing-iron" at his feet. A horse
may run away ungovernably, while the driver
is precariously catching at the check-rein,
which he cannot obtain.*

Collars and Harness. — Collars must be made
to fit in the part nature seems to have pre-
scribed, which is the thick bottom of the neck,

* Notwithstanding the various and very ingenious sorts of
hits that have been used, from the severe Turkish roller-hinge
curb-bit to the cart-horse-bit, none are so effectual as a curb-
bit with a straight, smooth, thick mouth-piece, which cuts
neither the tongue, gums, nor jaw, yet allows the horse to ex-
ercise no discretion, but only obedience, to relieve himself.

COLLARS AND HARNESS. J5

free from the shoulder-blade, and where it can-
not injure the horse — this, indeed, is now gene-
rally understood. A short collar chokes —
a wide one rocks to and fro — a small one
pinches — and a large one cuts the chest and
shoulders. Harness, on which all the power
and draught of the horse, and also the weight
of the carriage and lives of the passengers de-
pend, are too lightly considered, and too much
neglected in the fastenings by chains or straps
at the bottom and top ; if either should fail,
the harness opens, and the ponderous weight
and power of the horse forces him through,
when the result may be dreadful. Therefore the
fastenings of the harness should be frequently
examined, notwithstanding they are handled
and cleaned every morning by the servant.
The chain at bottom wears, and the strap at
the top also wears, and is sometimes carelessly
buckled — tongue not through, and the end of
the strap not secured. The buckle should be
strong, and the tongue long, for on that tongue
holding the strap, all depends.

Traces should be long enough in proportion
to the horses, to allow them rather more than a

76 TRACES AND BREECHING.

full stretch, with which they will have an easier
draught, and be free from the danger of touch-
ing the carriage. Crossing the traces of a pair,
or of four horses, is a great error, especially
of "leaders/' by having the inner trace of
each horse hitched across to the bar of the
other, so that when the horses stop, and may
be supposed to pull together equally, they only
draw the carriage with the other trace, while
with the inner one they drag each other back.
Each horse should have only his own line of
draught ; and all be kept equally to their work
by the driver. [See Appendix, K.]

Breeching also should be so placed, as to
allow ample room between the collar and breech-
ing for rather more than the extreme extent of
the horses' stretching-step, and should be rather
high, (about four inches below the thigh joint),
and not hang flapping and fretting the horses'
thighs, and impeding the motion of the limbs.
Besides, if the breeching be placed too low, the
weight of the carriage in going down hill,
presses upon the lower part of the thigh, and
lifts the hind legs involuntarily from under the

PADS,

7

horses, causing them to slide. But breeching
and collars are generally not necessary together,
except for a stage-coach or other heavy travel-
ling carriage.

Pads, of which the fashion very frequently
is changed, ought always to be of the figure
of 8, i. e. broad at the points and narrow at its
centre, for four-wheeled carriages. And the
same form, on rather a large scale, without
long, galling, stuffed side-flaps, is sufficient and
superior for two-wheeled carriages, light to the
horse, cool and harmless to his back, and
shows his form to advantage.

Not only is the fitting of harness of import-
ance, but also the putting it on with care,
that all parts thereof may sit easily, comfort-
ably, and equally upon the horse, and each re-
main in its proper place. Many serious acci-
dents are occasioned by neglecting this, which
are ascribed to the awkwardness, ill-temper, or
vice of the horse, but which are probably caused
by the inattention, ignorance, and prejudices of
servants who have been trusted.

The Pole of a Carriage should not be too
H 3

78 POLE OF CARRIAGE.

high nor too low at the point, because in either
position the horses cannot have convenient and
sufficient power to support the carriage. If too
high, the horses are lifted before, and slip on
their haunches in « backing," or in a descent ;
if too low, their shoulders are pulled down by
the collar, and their knees are bent under them ;
but the point of the pole, when proportionately
adopted, should be in a line with the centre of
the horses' chests; then they can resist the
weight of the carriage in a position parallel with
the natural powers of their own longitudinal
bodies.

Wheels. — The best grease for wheels is but-
ter, without any mixture. Butter scrapings are
cheap. A small piece, of the size of a walnut,
will be sufficient for one wheel for two months.
Lard liquidizes, drips, and is dirty; and when
mixed with black-lead, soon becomes dry and
hard. Oil (such as is used for the patent boxes)
assists friction to wear the iron, and in close
boxes which have no linch-pins, cuts a groove in
the axle-tree, when a jolt may snap it asunder :
hence arise many accidents. Linch-pins are
safest.

DRIVING,

Position m Driving-

81

DRIVING.

OF ONE HORSE — A PAIR OF HORSES FOUR

HORSES HOLDING AND USING REINS AND

WHIP.

The harness having been fitted to the horse
or horses, and put on with judgment and se-
curity, and the horses properly placed in the
carriage, the next consideration is Driving,
which requires practice according to the strict
rules of theory, as well for the economy and
duration of the horses' labour, as for guidance,
comfort, and safety.

When the driver has ascertained that all is
correct in horses, harness, wheels, linch-pins,
etc., (a momentary examination every person
should make) he may place himself in his seat
with the driving-reins and whip, and sit straight
to his front, not sideways. The driving-reins

82

USING DRIVING-REINS AND WHIP.

are to be held constantly in the left hand, with
the left rein upwards and fore-finger between—
and are never to be separated. Some persons
place two fingers between the reins, which will
be found erroneous, for although they keep
the reins more apart, the remaining two fin-
gers of the hand, being the two last and weak-
est, have not sufficient power to hold the other
side of the rein. The left-rein may generally
be rather tighter than the right, to keep the
horses' heads inclined to the left-hand side of
the road (particularly in the metropolis), which
in England is the right side for vehicles and
equestrians ; but the reins are to be held ac-
cording to the mouth of the horse. The whip
must be carried in the right hand, with the
lash hanging over, but clear of, the left-side of
horses and carriage. The whip is to be used,
not by a cut and catching up of the lash, nor
by slapping along the back and neck, but by
throwing the lash straight and unbent round
to the right and left flank of the horse, as a
thresher " flings his flail." Never whip a horse
on the ears, head, or shoulders, because every
lash checks and distracts him ; and it is unrea-

DRIVING. 83

sonable, confounding, cruel, and dangerous,
to assail a horse in his front when he is required
to go forward.

The driver being now arranged with reins and
whip in hand, he may move off, or, "set off," the
horse or horses at a gentle walk for a few paces,
until he has a fair opportunity of increasing the
speed, which should be done gradually (starting
off by a cut of the whip and a tug of reins is
vulgar and dangerous), and by gently lifting
up the horses' heads with the reins, in order
to give them notice, they will proceed ; but if
they should not obey, and require the intima-
tion of the whip, touch each of them gently,
as you would whisper to a child. Although
the left-hand ought always to hold both sides
of the reins, and the right-hand the whip ;
the right-hand with the whip in it, must occa-
sionally aid the left, in the use of the reins,
by taking hold of the right-rein, the driver
then has the command of the bridle right and
left, and can work in a zigzag direction through
crowded streets without altering his pace.

In order to turn to the right, draw the right
rein gently with the right hand, and touch the

84 DRIVING.

left-side of the horse or horses with the whip,
to accelerate his, or their obedience.

To turn to the left, shorten the left rein by-
drawing it sufficiently with the right-hand
through the left, and touch the right-side with
the whip ; when the turn is complete, set the
horses straight by equalizing the reins; and
then, if necessary, touch, or wipe the horses
on both sides with the whip by way of encou-
ragement.

To increase the pace of the horses very con-
siderably, slacken the reins, and touch or tickle
with the whip.

Go up hill with loose reins, keeping the
wheels on the smoothest ground for the easi-
ness of draught.

Go down hill with reins held short and firm
in both hands to hold up the horses, keeping
the wheels in the rough or soft part, when
there is no " drag-chain;'5 and regulate the
pace according to the pressure of the carriage
on the horses, so as to keep them clear of it.

To take up (shorten) the reins for the purpose
of a full stop on a sudden occasion, or for

DRIVING.

85

"backing," take hold of both reins with the
right hand, the back upwards, beyond the
left-hand, and holding them with the right
hand, again reach with the left, palm upwards,
beyond the right, grasping the reins with the
left hand, then shifting the right hand to the
right rein, "pull-up" steadily, firmly, and
strongly, with both hands— thus by the alter-
nate use of right and left hand " hauling-in,"
horses in great speed may be stopped— and
also "backed" when required. Horses must
be kept at a regular pace in harness, without
teazing, must pull equally, and step together,
whether two or more. Remember, the reins
must be held steadily and used without jerking,
or, as it is termed "drawing teeth," or inces-
santly fidgetting and shaking the reins, which
frets and fatigues the horses in exercise, or in
a journey, before their work affects them, ren-
dering them unable to proceed— besides, jerk-
ing and tugging the reins in order to stop
horses when going at too great speed, alarms
and causes them to go faster— and sometimes
run away, besides breaking the reins: hence

86 DRIVING.

many of the dreadful accidents which daily
occur.

Every driver in England must keep the left
hand side of the road, as has been observed ;
but to pass a carriage which is going in the
same direction, he must always pass on its
outer side, with his left hand towards the right
side of that carriage.

As driving four horses in a private carriage
belongs to the amateurs5 « four-in-hand club,"
and is not very general, it is only necessary
to remark that their traces should not be
crossed (see page 76), nor should the wheelers
do all the work. The traces of leaders should
not be too long (in imitation of an erroneous
continental fashion), because the superfluous
length swags with a fatiguing motion, and
adds very considerable weight to the horses'
draught: besides, when over-long traces are
slack, as in going down hill, or in sometimes
turning an acute angle, the horses in stepping
are in danger of placing one leg over the
slackened trace, which has happened notwith-

WHIPPING. 87

standing the skill of the driver. [See also
Appendix, K.]

Whipping for punishment is not often neces-
sary in the high perfection to which horses are
now trained. Cutting at leaders, and flogging
wheelers with doubled thong, are or ought to be
both quite abolished. The principal use of the
whip is in skilfully and lightly touching (speak-
ing to) or whipping occasionally, tickling (whis-
pering to and encouraging) and compelling
(commanding) all which is to be sparingly
done, with good temper and great judgment ;
because severity of chastisement may create
and establish rebellion in the temper of the
horse. Although the use of the whip is here
necessarily described for instruction, it is not,
in general, requisite for a driver to be con-
stantly employing it.

STABLES,

91

STABLES.

HIGH RACKS AND MANGERS CLOSE AND AIR-
TIGHT STABLES HORSE-CLOTHS, TIGHT

ROLLERS, PADS OR BANDAGES.

Stables should have high racks and mangers,
for the benefit of exercising the horse's neck,
and inducing the habit of keeping his " crest
erect," and also for the extension and exercise
of his chest, stomach, vertebrae and limbs, in
reaching the forage, and eating his food in
smaller and more nutritious portions ; whereas
low racks and mangers occasion the horse to
stoop, swallow large mouthfuls of corn without
grinding, and to press heavily upon his fore
legs.

Warm stables are necessary, but close and
air-tight stables are very injurious, as is also

92 STABLES.

tucking of litter under the manger, and beneath
the horse's nostrils, as it emits a nauseous
steam which the horse must inhale, inflames
his stomach and eyes (as is experienced by
every groom on entering a stable in the morn-
ing), and is as frequent a cause of blindings,
which are so prevalent in England, as over
feeding, and insufficient exercise.

Water should not be kept in the bucket in
the stable ready for the horse to drink ; because
it becomes rank : water should always be fresh
drawn.

Horse-cloths, tight rollers, and pads, or
bandages in stables at night, for horses in good
health, may be dispensed with. When a good
bed is laid down, and the stable shut close for
the night, body clothing is not necessary ; but
may be used in the day-time when horses
remain in the stable, which should be frequently
opened, kept clear of litter, and more airy than
at night. Can a groom sleep comfortably in
buck-skins and boots ?

Stable head-stalls are sometimes very care-

STABLES. 93

lessly buckled so tight on the horse's heads,
to prevent their being rubbed off in the stable,
that the horse's jaws are confined. The author
experienced instances on the Continent of the
nose-band of the stable collar having been
purposely buckled tight at night, to prevent
the horse from eating either corn or hay, which
were sold in the morning by the servant.
This anecdote should operate as a suggestion
to those who are desirous of seeing the corn
given to their horses, either morning, noon, or
night, (particularly on the Continent) to ascer-
tain at the same time whether their horses
have the power of opening their mouths and
masticating their food.

But if stable-collars have throat-lashes, as
all should have, the collars would be secure
upon the horses' heads, with the nose-bands
amply lose for the motion of the jaws — in fact
the nose-bands of stable collars should not
have any buckle.

Another act of carelessness, injurious to
horses, is laying down straw at night for their

94 STABLES.

beds which is not perfectly dry. Fresh straw
is put into the loft, perhaps in rainy or damp
weather, and used by servants, without con-
sidering that while in that state it is as unfit
for horses to lie upon as a damp bed would
be for themselves.

APPENDIX

97

APPENDIX.

As the utility of horses n this country
surpasses that of all other animals, it may be
acceptable and instructive to explain here more
of the nature and properties of the horse,
than was compatible with the conciseness of
the foregoing equestrian instructions, but which
together with some further remarks on horse-
manship, maybe perused with interest and bene-
fit, by the scholar after he has made progress.
The horse in a domestic state is a bold and
irritable animal, equally intrepid, energetic, and
magnanimous, and exults in the exercise of
his strength and power; but is nevertheless

K

98 APPENDIX.

docile and tractable, not only yielding to the
hand, but seeming to court the inclination of
the rider. Constantly obedient to the im-
pressions, his motions are entirely regulated by
the will of his master. He resigns his own
existence to the pleasure of man, delivers up
his whole powers, and reserves nothing ; there-
fore he ought to be gratefully and kindly treated.
This character, though natural to the horse, is
called out by education, which commences
with the loss of liberty and concludes by
obedience. The slavery of the horse is so
ancient and universal, that his natural state
seems almost fabulous. His softness and
ductility of temper proceeds considerably from
domestic education, and association from his
birth with man.

The movements of the horse are chiefly
regulated by the bits and the legs of his rider
(spur occasionally) — the bit informs the horse
how to proceed, and the legs quicken his pace.

The horse has not only a grandeur in his
figure, but great symmetry in his form. He
erects himself, as if in exultation, above other

APPENDIX. 99

quadrupeds. His open lively countenance,
erect and active ears, and full soft mane adorn
him with the appearance of sensibility, strength,
and courage.

The species of horses used for hunting in
this country are a happy combination of sym-
metry, speed, and strength. These qualities
are required by the agility, exertions, and
general nature of the chase.

For colours, horses of a bright bay, and in-
deed all shades of bay in general, are accounted
good. The best brown have black manes and
tails, and rusty black joints — shining black is
considered beautiful ; dapple-grey and roan
with black manes and tails are good. But it
is said, and with great reason, that " a good
horse cannot be of a bad colour."

A narrow heel is a defect, and too large a
hoof, in proportion to the rest of the frame,
renders a horse weak and heavy. White froth
from the mouth while in exercise shows good
health and a good condition for work.

The wind should not be overlooked in the
choice of a horse ; if he is broken-winded, it

100 APPENDIX.

is easily discovered by his flanks, when he
stands quiet in the stable; because then he
is constantly pinching, or drawing them in very
gently, but lets them out very suddenly, al-
though unsurprised or unexcited by any event.
Thick winded horses fetch their breath oftener
than others, and sometimes rattle and wheeze.

If a horse, in an extended pace of trotting or
galloping, puts the heels of his fore feet on the
ground previously to his toes, (or points of the
hoofs) he is insecure, and will stumble ; the
points of the hoofs must first touch the ground
in every pace.

If a horse, in his paces, crosses his hind feet
only, or the lower parts of the legs from the
hock downwards like a cow, he cannot travel
well or far.

A.

Many essential points depend upon the
manner in which a man is first placed on horse-
back, this therefore ought to be studiously

APPENDIX. 101

performed with all the exactness prescribed in
the foregoing pages 31 to 33.

No man can be either well or firmly seated
on horseback unless he is quite unrestrained
and at ease, with a full possession of himself.
The natural weight of the person on his seat
and thighs conduces to establish security.

A genteel and scientific horseman is easily
distinguished from an awkward one ; the first
sits still and appears "of a piece with his
horse," the latter seems flying off at all points.
A rider must not sit too far back on his
saddle (which is vulgar and insecure) pressing
on the loins of the horse ; nor yet too far for-
ward over the pommel, but in the centre of
the horse's motion.

B.

An equestrian scholar should never attempt

to trot, unless he is quite easy and well-seated

in the walk ; nor gallop until he is able to trot

easily, compactly and firmly ; and be it remem-

k 3

102 APPENDIX.

bered that to practise trotting (without " easing
in the saddle ") and without stirrups, is strongly
recommended as the surest means of acquiring
a firm and secure seat. Stiffness and " sticking
on/* by erroneous means, are to be avoided —
stiffness disgraces the horseman's figure, and
" sticking on" displaces him. The body must
be kept easy and firm without rocking while
the horse is in motion, especially in galloping,
when the rider must not lean himself forward
either in setting off or during the gallop.

A scientific rider, although he may deviate
from precision, and twist and turn capriciously,
or take his bridle occasionally in his right hand
to relieve his left, never forgets himself, nor
rides erroneously.

A timorous rider and a passionate person
would alike spoil a horse, the former, by suf-
fering him to have his own will, establishes bad
habits, and creates new ones ; the latter, by his
own violence and want of reason, enrages the
horse, and causes him to become vicious, by
resisting his rider as the only probable means
of relieving himself.

APPENDIX. 103

Many horses are taught to start by whipping
them for being accidentally surprised. On
approaching or being approached by a lofty
loaded wagon, or other high carriage, for in-
stance, a horse very naturally may feel alarm
at the magnitude of the moving object; the
rider should then turn aside the horse's head to
prevent his full view of that which he dreads.

D.

At all times keep the horse's head high, the
wrist supple, and play with the bit when he is
inclined to press upon it ; and if he continue,
and is likely to become sluggish and heavy in
hand, gently raise his head, and close both legs
upon him. A horse must not only carry his
head up, but also his chest ; then he will be
light in his fore- quarters, and active in his

104 APPENDIX.

haunches, with his legs well under him. It
must be a constant rule not to stop, or allow a
horse to stop, at a moment when his legs are
not equally under him.

E.

If a rider find his horse suddenly affected,
and become uneasy in his gait, instead of pu-
nishing the animal, he should, by dismounting
and examining the bridle, saddle, girths, and
feet, ascertain the cause, and remedy it. The
horse will inform the rider when he goes easy,
by his cheerfulness, playing with his bit, and
the freedom of his motion.

Resistance in horses may be considered some
proof of strength, and proceeds from spirit, as
likewise from vice, though weakness or inabi-
lity may for a moment create viciousness in the

APPENDIX. 105

struggle for relief when oppressed. Plunging
is a very usual; but rebellious exertion among
vicious horses ; if they do it repeatedly in the
same place, ill-temper is the cause, and in that
very place they should be cured of it ; for some
horses go very properly until they arrive at a
certain spot, and then play restive pranks. In
such a case, if the horse determine to bounce
and run back, the rider must " give him his
head," and firmly close his legs against him, or
the spurs, to oblige him to go forward. If the
horse plunge forward, hold him steady and firm
with the bridle, close both legs — not spurs —
frequently upon him, keeping him in the same
spot, until he, finding he cannot proceed in his
angry speed, and that he is mastered, stands
still with the bridle-rein loose, then, after a
pause, let him advance very slowly, to tran-
quillize his irritation and forget his resist-
ance.

If a horse rears, the rider must " give him
his head," and be careful not to pull him over ;
then, as he is descending and touching the
ground, close the legs strongly upon him, and

106 APPENDIX.

make him go forward a few paces ; this a
rider should do, whenever he suspects his
horse is preparing, or inclined to rear, in or-
der to prevent him. In such a case the rider
must not attempt to " rein-back," for then the
horse would again rear.

All horses can swim naturally, therefore,
when a horse and rider get into deep water,
either by design or accident, the rider's great
care must be not to check the exertions of the
horse by the bridle, (which unwarily he might
do by a sudden plunge, without due presence
of mind), but he may safely guide the horse
by the most gentle touch of the reins, letting
him at the same time have unrestrained liberty.
As a horse when swimming uses great exertion,
and is in the position he would be if going up
stairs — very high before and very low behind
— the rider may find it necessary to take hold
of the mane, which should be only grasped low
down at the withers, with the right hand, the
left continuing to hold, at great length, the
reins for guidance ; and keeping the horse's

APPENDIX. 107

head towards the shore, he will be sure to
regain it safely.

It is very delightful to ride and drive on the
sandy sea-shore, and to have a long uninterrupted
gallop on horseback, and a swinging trot in
harness for the benefit of the air, and the plea-
sure and novelty of the fine sands and smooth-
ness of the surface ; but the effect is neither
beneficial to the horse nor the carriage ; for the
sea-water dries and cracks the horses' feet, and
the deadness of the sand when the tide recedes,
strains the sinews, and fatigues them as much
as it does when softened by the flowing tide.
As a proof, persons will always find their horses
are sooner and more fatigued by exercise on
the sea-shore, than on a road; for the sandy
sea-shore, when the tide is out, whether settled
in its spongy hardness, dried by the winds, or
softening by the returning tide, has neither
elasticity nor solidity. Nevertheless, swimming
horses, or partially bathing them in the sea, is
beneficial for some, if diseased ; but many per-
sons are too fond of sending their horses to be

108 APPENDIX.

bathed in the sea, and of acting upon them in
a variety of ways — although they are well —
through the restless desire of improving their
health and strength ; when, it may reasonably
be said, if men and horses are well, why en-
deavour to make them better? Such efforts
often terminate in their becoming worse.

The sea-spray destroys the paint and varnish
of carriages, extends small cracks, rusts the
iron-work, and hardens the harness.

Many people (in the vicinity of London par-
ticularly) having paddocks, or small patches of
grass convenient to their dwellings, are (as is
very natural) exceedingly gratified by turning
the horses out from the stable early in the
morning, to graze and exercise their limbs.
But this requires mature consideration, because
horses (not turned out for the season) going
immediately from the warm stable with their
pores open to the dewy grass too early in the
morning, are in great danger of having their

APPENDIX. 109

eyes injured, and a disease produced by the
powerful and penetrating exhalations of the earth
which envelop the head in the act of grazing,
when the eyes are, more than in any other
position, extended and exerted; this is often
the unsuspected cause of dimness — opaque
films— and ultimate blindness. Therefore horses
resident in a stable should not be sent to graze
until the vapour has evaporated. It is not,
however, beneficial to send horses out to graze
for a very short time, which only gives them a
mouthful of grass and a belly-full of gripes,
with sore eyes, and their mouths become too
tender for hard corn and dry hay, for which
also they in some degree lose their relish. It
is better to give horses while inhabiting the
stable all dry food, or in the season all green.
Besides, the early exhalations being at the
same time suddenly inhaled, cause discharges
from the nostrils, and bowel diseases, especially
in old horses ; nevertheless the latter are con-
siderably renovated by having all green food
in the proper season; and when horses have
been some time accustomed to green food they

L

HO APPENDIX.

will be able to eat hard corn, which will be
necessary to support their strength for work.
In times when green food is desirable, but
cannot be had early enough in the spring, and
horses require aperients, mix with the corn a
few raw potatoes fresh sliced— and give them
but little water to drink ; carrots relax the
bladder too much. Horses must drink before
they eat corn, because if they drink afterwards,
the water swells the corn in their stomachs, and
thus many horses have suddenly died of suffo-
cation, which was supposed to have been colic.

If from accidents induced by injudicious early
grazing, or from any other cause, horses' eyes
are diseased, and apt to discharge, bathe them —
not with either violent, or cold applications — but
with half a pint of hot water, which is suffi-
cient at each time, with four tea-spoonfuls of
brandy; it is frequently applied most gently
with a sponge by way of a warm bath to the

APPENDIX. Ill

eyes; the hot water causes a general circula-
tion and purification; and the small portion
of brandy is not to inflame but to prevent a
chill when the warmth of the water subsides.

K.

Traces are sometimes attached to the axle-
tree of two-wheel carriages for the purpose of
rendering the horse's draught more effectual
when in a direct line from the centre of the
wheels, but this is erroneous, because the ex-
treme length from the horse's collar to the
axletree, and the increased vibration of the
traces reduce the power of draught, and fatigue
the horse. All powers of draught have a
limit, beyond which, the operation of that
power diminishes. Traces should always be
attached to a splinter-bar.

112 APPENDIX.

It has been said that horses should not be
forced " beyond their power/' which means
that they should not do more than they are
able to support ; but horses should not be
forced to the full extent of their power. If a
horse can go ten miles an hour, he should not
be allowed to go more than eight, always re-
serving a portion of strength to supply exhaus-
tion and recover accidents.

Of Snaffle-bridles. When a snaffle-bridle
only is used, the rider should hold it in the left
hand, in the same manner as the curb-rein is
held in page 30 ; but when restraining a spi-
rited horse, and more strength is required, use
both hands by taking firm hold of each side of
the rein in each hand, with the little fingers
outside, and thumbs upwards, and the end of
the rein turning over between each thumb and
finger — the hands to be held in a line with the
elbows, elbows close.

APPENDIX. 113

But this bridle is at all times insecure. Much
might be said about the use of the snaffle
bridle in riding schools, and breaking young
horses, etc., but it is unnecessary in this work.

Never buy a horse, even of an acquaintance,
without a Warranty.

The frequent disputes, and the frequent
cheating which take place in the sale and pur-
chase of horses— even among the best judges
— prove the necessity of a written warranty.
If this is expressed in ambiguous, or too gene-
ral terms, it may be evaded. The following is
a safe and convenient form,

FORM OF DECLARATION AND WARRANTY.

/ declare, and hereby warrant, that the
brown horse [describing the colour, marks, sex,
age, height, etc., etc.'] purchased this
day of 1840, at of

me, by Mr. of

Street. London, and delivered to him herewith.

114 FORM OF WARRANTY.

is perfectly sound, and has not either vice,
blemish, or disease of any kind, being in good
health of body, limbs, feet, and eyes, with
perfect vision, and is not " broken-winded,"—
asthmatic — nor a "roarer." [The particular
abilities or qualities, which induced the pur-
chase, and enhanced the value of the horse,
may be here stated.]

Signed, [Name and residence.]

Witness,
[Name and residence.]

GREEN AND MARTIN, PRINTERS, BARTI.ETT's BI IMHNI .

UK