Rules for bad horsemen : hints to inexpert travellers; and maxims worth remembering by the most experienced equestrians

A FIGHT WITH A HOUSE.

TAMING A FIERY STEED. f
A very vicious and ill-tempered horse was, according
to a Transatlantic authority, eating his head off in a
very luxuriant loose box, because there was no one in
the establishment of the gentleman to whom he
belonged who had the courage or strength to enter his
stable to saddle and bridle him. If a groom approached
tor any other purpose than to give him his corn and
hay, he would speedily drive him away by a free use of
his hoofs and teeth. One day at lunch the owner was
lamenting the nselessness 01 the finest horse in his stud
! to a party of friends, and wound up by saying that he
would gladly make a present of the horse to any one
who could saddle and ride him out of the yard A
young graduate of Oxford, the Hon. Sidney Lawford
expressed his willingness to make the attempt ■ and'
though warned by many a blood-curding recital of' what
had been the fate of the grooms and stable-boys that
bad made the like effort, he persisted in his determina-
tion to try. After lunch all adjourned to the stable in
expectation of seeing the young fellow receive a severe
lesson for his temerity. He was known to be an expert
in every manly exercise, especially boxing, and was in
perfect wmd and training. Selecting a saddle and bridle
from an adjacent rack, he approached the strong
bars that opened into the brute's stall speak-
ing kindly and soothingly to him. The horse
turned and eyed the stranger, and catching si<*ht of
the hated bit, became furious, lashing oat madly" with
his Heels, and stamping wildly about tfce stall, making
tne straw of his bedding fly ia every direction. With-
out a word the graduate rested the .saddle and bridle
on the top rail ; but the steady, undaunted fare of the
eye, the firmly compressed lip, the back ward poise of the
shapely head, the swelling muscles of his lithe and
active frame as he lightly vaulted into the box, told
plainly of the iron, indomitable, will and pluck within
Scarcely had he landed on his feet than the now
thoroughly infuriated beast came rushing headlong at
him, with its satin ears flattened closely against its
lean head, its eyts aflame and bloodshot, it's mouth
agape and displaying a set of gleaming teeth, which
he gnashed and ground with fury. Sudden and savage
though the onslaught was the young Oxonian was pre-
pared. Throwing himself naturally and gracefully into
boxing attitude, he met the maddened animal with a
biow on the temple, just between the ear and eye swift
straight, and inexorable, that brought him to his knees'
Bearing up and squealing with pain and rage, the brute
rushed again upon his foe, who stepped aside, but pale
and determined, awaiting his coming. Again like a leven
bolt, straight from the shoulder flew the clinched fist
and down dropped the horse. Slowly he staggered to
his feet and, trembling in every limb, while great patches
of perspiration stained his flanks and sides, he cowered
m a corner of the stall, completely vanquished. The
victor soon had the bit in his niouth and leading him
out of the stall, cantered gaily on the prize his braverv
and knowledge had won.

The old saying " No foot, no horse "has a sound !
basis of truth, and, as all users of horses know, the '
forefoot is more delicate in its construction and more
sensitive and liable to get out of order than the
hind foot. Although true all-round action is a great
desideratum there are many horses that show far
more grace and activity before than behind. The
fore- feet are nearer to the brain of the horse, and that
may have something to do with their being more
sensitive and more expressive, so- to speak, than the
hind ones. But the horse's fore-foot is doubtless more
developed and also more liable to go wrong because
it has more to do. Experiments conducted by
Professor Colin in France and Professor Fred
Smith in this country show that the forelegs of
a horse support about one-ninth more of the
weight of the animals than is borne
by the hind-legs. And with a man in the saddle it is .
found that 66 per cent, of the weight of man and
horse is carried by the fore legs, and 34 per cent, by
the hind legs. Now that hunting has begun again
there will be many tired horses, and hunting
men will do well to save their horses all unneces-
sary work. Good shoeing and kindly care will often
preserve many a good horse which would otherwise
fall lame, or perish altogether like that mare told of by
Mr. Delme Radcliffe, which was fagged out at the end i
of a long day, taken to a stable, and as soon as she
seemed to have recovered, travelled 15 miles home to
her own stable. She was stone dead in the morning.
A little study of equine anatomy and pathology
would help the merciful man to know how to be
merciful to his beast, \J&** &/ S<$fS

Webster Family Library of Veter mary Median

Ctimroings School of Veterinary Medicine at

Tufts University

200 Westboro Road

North Grafton. MA 01536

3 9090 014 665 489
HINDS'S WORKS ON FARRIERY, &c. 3 vols.

illustrated with numerous plates and wood-cuts, may be had, com-
plete, of all booksellers in the United Kingdom ; price £1:7: 0, in
red, or each volume separately, as follows : —

1. Hinds's Veterinary Surgery, second edition, near 600 pages, 12*.

2. The Grooms' Oracle, second edition, upwards of 300 pages, 7*.

3. Osmer's celebrated Treatise on the Horse, fifth edition, moder-
nised by Mr. Hinds, with plates, 8s.

%• The First Volume, printed for the Author, and for Whittaker,
Treacher, and Co. Ave-Maria-Lane, 1829, is entitled

VETERINARY SURGERY AND PRACTICE OF
MEDICINE;

OR, FARRIERY TAUGHT ON A NEW PLAN ;
Being a Familiar Treatise on all the Diseases and Accidents to
which the Horse is liable ; the causes and symptoms of each, and
the most approved remedies employed for the cure in every case ; with
Instructions to the Shoeing-Smith, Farrier, and Groom, how to ac-
quire knowledge in the Art of Farriery, and the Prevention of
Diseases. Preceded by a popular Description of the organs of life
and animal functions in health, and showing the principles on which
these are to be restored when disordered. By John Hinds, Vet. Sur.
N.B. This is the only Book of Farriery ever published, wherein
the principle on which diseases are incurred is taught hand-in-hand
with the practice of curing them ; or, that ever yet attempted to show
distinctly, and within the comprehension of all descriptions of per-
sons, the several Causes, the peculiar Symptoms, under distinct heads,
and the Remedies proper to each separate disorder of the Horse, all
at the same view.

The Second Volume, which consists of Conversations on Con-
ditioning and Training, is entitled

THE GROOMS' ORACLE,

AND POCKET STABLE DIRECTORY,
In which the management of Horses generally, as to Health,
Dieting, and Exercise, is considered, in a series of Familiar Dia-
logues between Two Grooms engaged in Training Horses to their
work. With Notes, and an Appendix ; including the Receipt-Book
of John Hinds, Vet. Sur. Second edition, enlarged.

Its object has been to teach not only the mode of bringing our best
bred horses into healthy condition, but to keep them in that state ; to
put pace and length into those having engagements ; to improve the
stretch, form of going, strength and stamina of speedy horses gene-
rally— and the Author has the satisfaction of hearing and seeing the
most gratifying results of his instructions among the class of persons
to whose capacity his system of teaching is mainly directed. " But

we are very much mistaken (says a weekly Critic) if the Grooms'
employers may not derive as much pleasure and profit from the pe-
rusal of these Conversations as the persons for whose use the volume
appears to have been ostensibly designed." Another observes, M Mr.
J. Hinds' Grooms' Oracle not only comprehends every kind of infor-
mation relating to the diseases of a horse, but gives ample and admi-
rable directions how that noble animal should be treated so as to ob-
viate disease in every variety of service in which it may be employed."
Printed for the Author; for Sherwood and Co. 23, Paternoster-row ;
Hurst and Co. 65, St. Paul's Church-Yard; and Whittaker and Co.
13, Ave-Maria-Lane, 1830.

The Third Volume of Mr. Hinds's Works (published by the same
Booksellers) is

A TREATISE ON THE HORSE,

Its Diseases, Lameness, and Improvement ; in which is laid down
the proper Method

OF SHOEING

the different Kinds of Feet ; also, some new Observations on the

&rt anti practice of jFavvitvg,

And on the Nature and Difference in the several Breeds of Horses ;
shewing on what principles their perfection depends, and by what
methods the breeding of speedy animals may be greatly improved and
amended.

By WILLIAM OSMER, Veterinary Surgeon,

And many Years Shoeing Smith in Blenheim-street.

Fifth Edition, newly re-written, with considerable Additions, by J.
Hinds, Author of the Grooms' Oracle, Veterinary Surgery, &c. &c.
Besides the estimable qualities by which Surgeon Osmer's u Treatise
on the Horse" is distinguished — as set forth in the pi*esent volume of
Rules, atpages 64 and 68, he will be found, upon perusal, to stand alone
at the head of his class of public beneficent writers, particularly as
regards the Treatment of Horses under those most afflicting and de-
structive maladies —

LAMENESS and the DISTEMPER.

On those two topics (not to speak of others) we deem it sheer jus-
tice to observe, that to this moment, no modern writer or practitioner,
Whether from the " Royal Veterinary College," or otherwise learned,
pretends to offer any other remedies than those first promulgated by
Old Osmer, many years before that College had its birth, which, they
say, is " still in its infancy," although nearly forty years of age !

As to breeding speedy HORSES, the points to be observed in
bringing together the Sire and Dam, the treatment during gestation,
and caring for the foal, Osmer stands alone, it is believed, as a sepa-
rate treatise : he is also forcible, clear, and intelligent as to choice,
make, shape, proportions, country and seasons, in the due combina-
tion whereof alone consists successful progeny and true racing capa-
bilities.

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RULES

FOR

BAD HORSEMEN;

HINTS

TO INEXPERT TRAVELLERS;

AND

MAXIMS

WORTH REMEMBERING BY THE MOST
EXPERIENCED EQUESTRIANS.

BY CHARLES THOMPSON, ESQ.

A NEW EDITION, WITH MODERN ADDITIONS,

BY JOHN HINDS, V.S.

EDITOR OF OSMER'S TREATISE ON THE HORSE 3 AUTHOR OF

VETERINARY SURGERY AND PRACTICE OF MEDICINE;

OF THE GROOMS' ORACLE, ETC.

LONDON:
PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR,

FOR SHERWOOD AND CO. 21, PATERNOSTER-ROW ; HURST

and co. 65, st. paul's-church-yard; AND

WHITTAKER AND CO. AVE-MARI A-LA^fE.
1830.

&2D

LONtJOV ;

ARCHANT, PRINTER, INGRAV-COURf.

PREFACE

If the Rules of Charles Thompson did
not appear to the Editor highly deserving
the trouble of revision, and the expenses of
re-publication, this volume would not have
appeared in its present form. The reader
has thus one testimony — and that of some
amount, in their favour, which tire giver is
by no means disposed to think lightly of;
but he will discover a score or two more
upon perusal, in the judicious directions
and sage remarks of the original writer; to
which have been added, the results of mo-
dern and recent experience and observations,
derived from very much practice among
horses, during forty years and upwards of
actual service.

VI PREFACE.

The Editor makes no apology, offers no
explanation, regarding the additions and
corrections he thought it became him to
make ; he has not even marked them out, as
was done by him lately in a similar case
of more vital importance. He here alludes
to the improved edition of Osmers Treatise
on the Horse, just published ; the sterling
merit whereof he is gratified to find recog-
nized by good judges of our day, as it had
been long before the object of envy to others.
See page 68. Like the work of Osmer,
Thompson's Rules, too, have been consulted
by succeeding writers, and many of his
pithy maxims have been taken up and di-
lated into pages ; — silent testimonials these,
which speak volumes, but they are named
at full length in the sequel, page 82.

JOHN HINDS.

Bridport-Place, New North- Road,
July, 1830.

CONTENTS.

Pages
Introduction. Taste for Horses in England; Necessity
of studying the Subject ; Misapprehension regarding
it 1-4

Section 1. Of Riding Schools. The Manage, an Art;

adapted to Parade. English riding 5-9

2. Manage. First Principles. Spurs, Airs, Aids,
Curvetting, Fretfulness 10-15

3. Taking Horse. Instruction of Man and Horse.
Mounting, Dismounting 16-21

4. Of the Seat. Posture ; Balance and Equilibrium ;

bad Seat. Saddles. Tricks. The legs : Stirrups .. 22-33

5. Progression, Rules for. Chastisement. Arms.... 34-37

6. The Appliances. Reins ; Vices : the Pulls ; loose-
necked Horse ; Dealers' Mode of showing-off. Bitts ;
Snaffle, Curb : Colts 38-47

7. Carriage. The Head; carry high: the Neck;
carry low. Thick Head , 48-53

Vlll CONTENTS.

Pages

8. Of Starting and Shying. Habit acquired : Rule.
Education, neglected. Facing dreaded Objects. Use-
ful Hints. Conducting a Horse 53-62

9. Rules on a Journey. The Foot: shoeing; Frog,
Heels, Toes ; Pastern, short. Treatise 63-69

10. Main Points in Travelling. Knocking up,
avoided. Setting out : Lengths and Pace. Coming
in ; jaded : recovery. Stables ; dressing and feeding ;
physicking » 70-80

1 1. Conclusion : Advantages of these Rules 82

Index 84-87

Plates. — 1. Preparing to Mount, to face page 18.

2. The true Seat, at setting out, to face the Title-page.

Shortly will be published, by the same Author, and of the same size,

A NEW AND COMPLETE DICTIONARY

OF THE VETERINARY ART ; in which the Terms em-
ployed by various Writers, and the respective orders of prac-
titioners are explained, under their popular and scientific ac-
ceptations: as are, also, the usages, remedies, prescriptions,
varied regimen, applications (topical and potential), bandagings,
operations, Materia Medica, &c. in the modern practice of
Farriery and Horse Keeping : compiled with a view to practical
results only, and their employment in the cure or mitigation of
diseases in horses, dogs, horned cattle, sheep, and swine.

The whole offering the means of ready reference to every topic
connected with brute-animal economy in health and disease,
in accidents, inflictions, work, and management ; as to com-
forts, privation, feeding, reproduction, and culture; but di-
vested of controversy, doubts, and jarring of opinions, and
offering only the best and readiest modes of meeting derange-
ments of the animal system, and amending defects, of curing
disorders, and avoiding error.

RULES

BAD HORSEMEN.

INTRODUCTION.

There is in this country, more than any
other, an almost universal fondness for horses,
and the exercise of riding them ; yet few, in
comparison, out of this multitude, make even
tolerable horsemen, and a still less number
do the thing as it ought to be done. Tis in
vain that the generality of persons endeavour
to shift off this reproach from themselves to
their animals ; for the frequent complaints
we hear, of horses becoming ungovernable,
or performing ill, generally arise from the un-
skilfulness of the actual riders, or ill temper
and unsteadiness of those who may have had
the charge of breaking-in the individual so
depreciated. The real fact is (and admits

2 RIDING REQUIRES STUDY, „

not of contradiction) — that we fail to acquire
a just taste in riding, in nineteen cases out
of twenty, and the remaining twentieth do
not condescend to study riding as an art.

Necessity of studying. — Riding, so to
speak, is one of those things that all can
'perform in some way or other, but few excel
in ; and, as the affair stands at present, al-
most every one thinks that practice alone is
sufficient to teach him how to ride ; he even
persuades himself, if he can ride to his own
satisfaction, that he is 'a good horseman,' no
matter what others may think of his grace-
less postures ; hence he is little induced to
study riding as an art, and goes so far as to
pronounce it an unnecessary application of
his mental powers. But, let him reflect on
the admitted necessity of studying the minor
accomplishments by rule, and the felicitous
manner in which the palm of superiority is
frequently borne away, even in mere athletic
exercises, by those who are taught methodi-
cally, and he must, in common candour,
allow that this consideration extends to
horsemanship also. If learning the artificial
measures of dancing, and the imitation of a
proper carriage in its movements, will have

AS AN ART. 3

the effect of amending even our manner of
walking, which Nature herself has taught
us, and constant practice improved, — why
should riding, which is still more an art,
with a greater number of combinations, be
supposed easily and sufficiently attainable
without any instruction whatever ? Does
not daily experience prove the contrary ?
Do we not see many men, who make a good
figure whilst standing on their legs, no sooner
appear on horseback than they become help-
less and awkward in a risible degree ! In
fact, every one must have noticed, that the
more graceful and easy a man walks, the
worse he rides ; the dancing-master, for ex-
ample, in an eminent degree. Again, the
rowing a wherry seems an exercise every
one might acquire without difficulty ; yet do
they who are instructed in the art by some
sort of rule, row infinitely better than he
who undertakes to pull an oar without any
instruction. What inestimable advantages
do they not obtain over a big adversary, who
learn the art of self-defence by the rules of
pugilism ! So, of driving, and a thousand,
other affairs of active life.

Hitherto, however, a good deal of mis-

b 2

4 MISTAKEN NOTIONS CORRECTED.

apprehension seems to have gone abroad on
the subject ; and the reproach is as appli-
cable to the present generation of horsemen
as it was to the former ; for, if a young fel-
low can ride a fox-chase, or a horse-race, he
thereupon considers himself ' a good horse-
man,' and, what is still more provoking, he
is so considered by others of his own school.
Should he have a horse he cannot manage,
he will tell you, that he designs " to tame
him by hunting," that is to say, if he can
once get him to go forward he will tire him
for a time. But what end does this answer?
None permanently ; for, by a week's rest,
the horse becomes as unruly as ever ; and
we are constrained to admit, that ' a man
who cannot manage his horse in full con-
dition, cannot well be said to manage him at
all;' but may more properly be said to mis-
manage him, and thereby to superinduce
bad habits, restlessness, vice; neither of
which is such a person calculated to reform.

MANEGE RIDING INTRODUCED.

1. OF RIDING SCHOOLS.

To obviate those difficulties, teachers very
early went forth who had studied the temper
and capabilities of the horse ; some among
them roughly enough, it may be presumed ;
whilst others led the way to many notable
refinements, which were introduced to France
from Naples two centuries ago, both horse
and rider being the objects of their instruc-
tion. The Neapolitan horse, however, is
degenerate, gone, " and is no more a dis-
tinct breed, nor prizeable," as Osmer, in
his Treatise, informs us (at page 179). Be-
sides this high-show school of instruction
they termed le manege, and we the manage,
riding-schools for mere exercise, those for
teaching the hunting-seat, and for road-
riding, are at this day found in the metro-
polis and elsewhere. Elaborate treatises,
also, on various corresponding subjects, have
been published since the appearance of
Thompson's Rules ; some assuming to
be for the gentlemen exclusively, another
equally confined to the ladies only ; whilst

6 ENGLISH HORSEMANSHIP EXCELS

some two or more went the whole round of
tuition in every possible case ; but none ex-
ceeded him in the perspicuity of his rules
and maxims, nor in the terse clearness of his
observations ; qualities these quite indispen-
sable in all teachers of the present day.
Therefore it is, that we desire to be under-
stood as professing to teach English riding,
as adapted to the park and the road, with re-
ference to whatever may be applicable here-
to from the other systems.

Riding in the manage has, indeed, been
long considered as an art ; and there they
have professed masters to teach parade, and
to cut caprioles and curvets, and many other
such airs. But this species of instruction
is not altogether adapted to the general con-
cerns of life ; nor are military people any-
wise indebted to it for renown, as hath been
asserted ; all the airs necessary to our ca-
valry being best acquired at the military
schools, in which actual service alone is kept
in view, and not the mere show, that suits
so well with the French character, — whence
" the manege," its terms, and its glittering
passages, are derived. Neither do our ' titled
ones and great' of the present day, deem

FRENCH. THE GREAT HORSE. 7

those fine airs so proper and becoming in
public, as might have been the case when
French modes were followed with blind and
enervating deference. Hence it was, that
riding in the manage-schools formerly ac-
quired the grand phrase of riding the great
horse. But the entire century which has
elapsed since French manners and French
tutelage, a-la-mode, were in vogue here, has
so completely turned the tables as to every
thing regarding the horse, that that man
would be found derelict of his native soil
who should condescend to go thither for in-
struction on any point of horsemanship : as
well as regards breeding, treatment, running,
riding, and driving, as fighting.

The manage-horses, too, being taught
motions adapted for parade only, are so far
spoiled for the road, or for hunting. Not-
withstanding this generally-received opinion
of the manage and its great horse, there are
not wanting some who assert that they teach
a horse nothing which will spoil his paces,
but that he will be greatly benefitted by
what he is taught, as he is there put under
such strict discipline, as accustoms him to
have no will of his own, whereby the manage-

8 TRICKS OF MANAGED HORSES.

merit of him is made easy to an indifferent
rider.

Riding-house. — But it required no ghost
to tell us, that whatever a horse learns that
is not absolutely necessary to progression
with safety, ease, speed, and due subjection
to the occasions of its rider, may be deno-
minated tricks, if not vice. For, what real
English gentleman, now-a-days, would choose
to ride in public a horse which, by his lofty
airs, should attract the vulgar gaze of a
sneering crowd, in street, road, or park ! As
for a Frenchman, indeed, la chose is alto-
gether different. Were the horses intended
for learners, usually broken in thus far, only,
in the manage, gentlemen might without
much difficulty be taught all that is neces-
sary to enable them to ride with safety, ease,
and pleasure, every description of horse,
and to make their horses perform the re-
quired paces cheerfully. To this end, it
was long ago proposed, that there be esta-
blished masters and schools for teaching the
art of riding on the hunting or common sad-
dle ; or, else, the inexperienced horseman
might practise awhile in the manage riding-
house, with a view to get a few leading

BOOKS, TOO FLIGHTY. 9

principles, which he might subsequently
apply to the general manner of riding. Or,
in default thereof, that such instructions be
given to ordinary horsemen, as may enable
them to ride by rule more safely and better
than they can do without such aids. This
is, in some degree, attempted in the present
little volume, which might have been spread
out immeasurably, had such a course tallied
with the author's ideas of being useful ra-
ther than verbose.

Heretofore, books, in which the art of
riding is taught professionally, have taken
too high a flight in their aim, and are there-
fore ill-calculated for so inferior a part of
the horseman's education as this may be
considered, but apply themselves wholly to
the manage. On this account, what is here
said, is not designed for those who already
ride ivell, but for those chiefly who (being
in small practice) are liable to accidents and
difficulties for want of the common precau-
tions ; for those who know not the very first
rule to be observed on mounting a horse, —
viz. that by leaving the horse at some liberty,
and avoiding to give him pain by an inju-
dicious management of the bridle, he will

b 3

10 LESSON THE FIRST.

go better and more quietly, than under a
bad horseman, who lays all the weight of
his arms on the horse's mouth, and, by
sitting awkwardly, not only becomes an un-
easy burden to himself and his horse, but
rides in continual danger of falling.

2. MANAGE AIRS AND AIDS.

First Principles; use and application thereof.

Agreeable to the suggestion just thrown
out, regarding the propriety of taking a few
lessons at the manage riding-school, let us
proceed to exchange a few words on the
leading principles taught there.

The Spurs. — Few persons, though prac-
tised in riding, know they have any power
over a horse, but by the bridle, or any use
for the spur, except to make him go forward.
A little experience, however, will teach them
the further service of both the one and the
other. Thus, if the left spur touches the
horse, and he is at the same time prevented
from going forward, he has hereby a sign
communicated to him, which he will soon
comprehend, that he is to move sideways to

USE OF THE LEG. 11

the right. In like manner he will move to
the left, if the right spur is applied to him.
He ever afterwards, through fear of the
spur, obeys a touch of the leg, after the same
manner as a horse moves his croup from
one side of the stall to the other, when any
one strikes him with the hand. In short, his
croup is guided by the leg, just as his head
is by the bridle. He will never disobey the
leg, unless he becomes restive, or arms him-
self against his rider.

By those means the rider has a far greater
power over an unruly horse than by any
other less certain attempts at controlling his
movements. He will move sideways if one
leg be pressed close to him, and strait for-
ward if both legs are brought to bear :
even when he stands still, the legs being
held near him will keep a horse so managed
on the ivatch, and with the slightest, un-
noticed, motion of the bridle upwards, he
will raise his head, and shew his forehand
to advantage.

Airs. — On this use of the legs of the ri-
der, and guidance of the croup of the horse,
are founded all the airs (as the riding-mas-
ters express themselves) which are taught

12 AIRS, HOW APPLICABLE ;

in the manage; in the passage, or side mo-
tion of troopers, to close or open their files,
and indeed all the evolutions of our cavalry.
But the evident convenience and applica-
bility of some portion of this same disci-
pline to ordinary purposes, is the main
reason for mentioning it here. It will be
found practically useful in all cases wherein
a horse is subject to stumble or start. If to
the first, by the rider's pressing his legs to
the flanks, and keeping up his head, he is
made to go light on his fore-legs, which is
one method of aiding and supporting the
horse ; and the same manoeuvre is to be put
in practice if the horse should actually
stumble, by helping him at the very instant
to exert himself, while yet any part of the
animal remains not irrecoverably impressed
with the precipitate motion.

Hence, this opportune employment of the
hands and legs of the horseman is termed
giving aids (i. e. succour or assistance) to a
horse ; for, as to holding up, by dint of
main strength, the weight of a heavy in-
active horse by mere pulling at him, it is as
impossible as it would be to recover such a
one when falling down a precipice.

AND THE AIDS ON STARTING. 13

Aids. — As just observed, a horse is sup-
ported and helped by the hands and legs of
his rider, in every action, pace, and move-
ment ' required of him ; whence it is, that
the horse is said to perform his airs (from
the grave pesade to the vif capriole) by
the aids from his rider. For the horseman
will find, that the same series of manoeuvres
is equally serviceable if a horse is given to
shy, and start from side to side, or to take
fright at objects less startling than a loaded
waggon or rumbling wheelbarrow.

Therefore, when he is beginning to fly to
one side, by the rider's leg^ being pressed
on the side he is flying to, his spring is
stopped instantly. He then goes past, in
comparative quietness, whatever he might
have started at, keeping strait on, or as the
horseman may choose to direct him by the
hand ; furthermore, he will riot fly back from
any thing, but go straight forward, if both
legs be pressed against his sides. Hereby, not
only does the rider compel his horse to keep
his haunches under him going down hill,
but he may help him on the side of a bank,
and also avoid the wheel of a carriage,
approach more gracefully and nearer to the

14 RESTIVENESS, HOW INDUCED j

side of a coach, or join in company with an-
other horseman.

Whenever a pampered or headstrong horse
curvets irregularly — that is to say, when the
corresponding feet do not beat the ground
in unison, and he twists his body to and fro,
then turn his head either to the right or left,
or to both alternately (but without permit-
ting him to move out of the track,) and
press one leg against the opposite side. By
this combination of the two principal aids,
the horse cannot spring on one side, be-
cause the rider's leg prevents him ; nor will
he spring to the other side, because his
head looks that way ; for the horse, by a
rule of nature, never starts and springs on
the side towards which he looks, but the
contrary. This well-recognised fact goes to
prove, that it is affright at some perilous
object, which causes his dismay, and ought
to teach us how foolish is the custom of bat-
tling with the scared horse, in the hope of over-
coming his dislike by compulsion. On this
latter topic we will dilate farther in the sequel.

Of starting and shying at objects on the
road, more will be found in the sequel. See
Section 8.

HOW AMENDED. 15

Fretfulness, how superinduced. — Mean-
time, it may not be amiss to observe, that
the aids of either degree (hands, body, legs,
whip) being applied too frequently and un-
necessarily to horses of bad temper, or that
may be commonly restless, occasions a fret-
fulness, that is daily rendered worse by the
same misapplication of compulsory force.
Among the most apparent of these trans-
gressions, and of most frequent recurrence,
is the disorderly habit some riders contract
of letting their legs dangle and shake against
the sides of the horse, like spindles ; whereby
the horse, if he be a well-taught one, is
continually incited to violent action, and if
he is not so, they render him insensible and
incapable of being taught any thing. The
fretting of a hot horse will hence become so
excessive, as to acquire for him the unamia-
ble character of being a restive one; for this
anxious manner can no otherwise be mode-
rated and caused to subside, than by the ut-
most stillness, steadiness, and firmness of the
seat, the hands and the legs of the rider.

16 RULE AT BRINGING OUT.

3. TAKING HORSE.

In the first place, every horse should be ac-
customed to stand still when he is mounted.
A proposition, one would imagine which
might readily be granted; yet, evident as it
is, we every day see how much the contrary
practice prevails. For, the ordinary me-
thod, when a gentleman mounts at a livery
stable, is for the groom to take the horse
by the bitt, which he bends tight round his
under jaw : hereupon, the horse striving to
go on, is forced back ; then advancing again,
he frets, as he is again stopped short and
hurt by the manner of holding him. Mean-
time, the rider mounting without the bridle,
or at most, holding it but slightly, is helped
to it by the groom; who, being all this while
fully employed with the horse's fluttering
forward and backward, has, at the same
time, both bridle and stirrup to give.

Horse instruction. — Is it not apparent,
that all this confusion and disorder at set-
tine out would be prevented, if every horse
were previously taught to stand still when-

RESTLESSNESS, HOW ACQUIRED. 17

ever he is mounted? And, as this habit of
unsteadiness is acquired at stables, upon
going out to water and exercise — forbid the
groom to throw himself over your horse
from a block, or vantage ground, giving a
kick with his leg, as is done, even before he
is fairly upon him. As this blameable man-
ner of mounting has mainly, contributed to
teach the horse his present unruly beha-
viour, so, on the other hand, will the con-
stant practice of mounting him in an orderly
manner, be sufficient to teach him that he
must stand still until the rider is well ad-
justed in the saddle.

Mounting. — The next thing necessary to
mounting properly is, that the rider himself
should learn how to perform his part of the
transaction, without giving the horse to un-
derstand that he is got into bad or inefficient
hands, &3- See him represented on plate 1.

Before he goes near his horse, let our
equestrian look round about him, to see if
his bridle, bitt, saddle, and girths, are all
fitted in proper trim. Always accustom the
horse to stand firm until every thing is ready
for going forward ; but, ordinarily, the rider
stands near the croup, or hinder part of the

18 MOUNTING, HOW PERFORMED

horse, with the bridle held very long in his
right hand. By this manner of holding the
bridle before mounting, the unwary horse^
man is liable to get kicked; and even when
he is well up, the horse may go on for some
time, or play what gambols he pleases,
before the rein is taken short enough in
hand to prevent him. It is a common error
likewise for an awkward rider, as soon as
his foot is in the stirrup, to throw himself
on with all his force, to gain his seat, which
he soon finds he cannot accomplish, until
he hath previously overbalanced himself on
one side or other; such an one will then
wriggle into it by degrees; whereupon he
hath other evils to encounter, ill suited to
his present condition, for (like Gilpin's)

His horse, who never in that sort

Had treated been before,
What thing" upon his back had got,

Did wonder more and more.

To mount with safety and comfort, the
only way is, to stand rather before than be-
hind the stirrup. In this posture he takes
the bridle short, and the mane together in the
left hand, so helping himself to the stirrup

WITH SAFETY AND EASE. 19

with the right hand, as the toe may not
touch the horse in mounting. When the
left foot is in the stirrup, the rider moves
his right until his face fronts the side of the
horse, looking across over the saddle. Be
sure you have hold of the reins, the mane,
and the whip, with the left hand, all toge-
ther, and should the reins be so slack as not
to have the desired effect on the horse, you
can still tighten them; but, if so tight as to
occasion the horse to rein back, relax them
by letting them slip through the fingers.
Then, having grasped the hinder part of the
saddle, make use" of this and the left (which
still holds the mane and bridle) to lift him
upright on the left foot. Remaining in this
posture a mere instant, so as to divide the
whole action into two motions, the rider has
the option either to complete his design of
getting into the saddle by throwing his leg
over, or of regaining his original standing
on the ground. By this deliberate motion
likewise is avoided, what every good horse-
man should endeavour to avoid, — namely,
putting his horse into a flutter; for, when
such riots once begin, few can tell where

20 HINT ON DISMOUNTING \

they will end — nobody, indeed, when the
rider is an ill-tempered one.

Dismounting is the counterpart of the
foregoing; and, as there directed, when you
dismount, hold the bridle and mane together
in the left hand short, in the same way as
when you mounted. In like manner, put your
right hand on the pommel of the saddle to
raise yourself; throw your leg back over the
horse, grasp the cantle of the saddle with
your right hand, remain a moment (as be-
fore) on the stirrup, and in every respect
dismount as gently as you mounted; but with
this difference only — that, what was the first
motion on mounting, thus becomes the last
upon dismounting. Both those affairs may
be enacted differently, according to the ri-
der's whim, necessity or occasion ; as, for
example, mounting by a jump, as practised
by certain voltigeurs in the French armies,
and dismounting by a throw off, in cases of
great danger ; but none other than the right
method should be attempted, when doing the
thing leisurely and gentlemanly.

ifcf Be careful not to bend your right
knee on dismounting, lest your spur should
rub against the horse.

NEAR-SIDE AND OFF-SIDE. 21

A groom is not indispensable on those
occasions ; for, if your horse has been accus-
tomed to stand quiet when he is mount-
ed, the less necessary will be an assistant ;
but, if his attendance be required for any
other reason whatever, suffer him not to
touch the reins, but that part of the bridle
only which comes down the cheek of the
horse. Acting under such a command, he
cannot interfere with the management of the
reins, which belong alone to the rider, either
for ornament or for use.

*#* Although it has been customary here
in England, to mount a horse on the near
side, (as it is also for females to ride, and for
post-boys to drive, on that side,) yet it may
not be altogether unserviceable for all classes
to practise the off-side management of their
cattle. Moreover, my Lord Pembroke for-
merly recommended, and late events having
demonstrated, that expertness at mounting
on either side may be employed advantage-
ously in military affairs, the rider has but to
reverse the instructions for mounting on the
left to those which suit the right side, in
order to attain proficiency in both.

22 SEAT AT MOUNTING.

4. OF THE SEAT.

As all the other movements depend on
the manner in which we take our seat, at
the first motion the horse makes, we may
bestow a few moments of particular atten-
tion on this point, to advantage. And we
may define the term seat to mean, the co-
adaptation of the several parts of the horse-
man's body, so that these may change with
the least trouble, according to the various
manner the horse works in. But the an-
nexed engraving (figure 2) will shew at a
glance what is considered the true seat, at
setting out, for all manner of exercises, and
is equally adapted to road riding, to the
manage, and to military parade, though de-
viations occur on actual service. This po-
sition, however, will meet with some dis-
turbance, whenever the horse is put upon
his airs ; but the rider is well enabled to
recover his seat, (if he does not maintain it,)
at every interval in those airs, or change
from one to another.

In this plate, we claim no particular merit

FIRST MOVEMENT. 23

for the figure or going of the horse, but
desire the reader to pay most attention to
the position of the rider, which enables him
to have a strong muscular hold with his
legs and thighs, so that, should the horse
plunge or kick, he preserves his seat to all
intents and purposes.

Observe, the thighs, from the fork to the
k?iees, have, at all times, firm hold of the
saddle, which they could not do if the rider
had been seated back on the cantle of the
saddle, as if sitting in a chair. To obtain
this firm hold of the saddle, the thighs must
be turned inwards from the hips, so that
the hollow and muscular part of the thighs
lie smooth and flat to the saddle. The knees
must be stretched down and kept back, so
as to place the thighs about twenty degrees
short of a perpendicular at their upper side :
this will occasion the horseman to sit on his
fork or twist, and not on his breech. The
knee is bent, so that the toe hangs perpendi-
cularly from the knee; the legs do not
touch the horse's sides, and the heel is sunk
so that the toe is raised.

Deviations from this first or true seat, as
regards hunting and hussar riding, occur in

24 POISE OF THE BODY.

the sequel ; as do some remarks on racing,
and other peculiarities, for all which consult
the Index under those heads.

Balance and equilibrium. — How often do
we not hear it said, with much emphasis, —
such an one " has no seat on horseback !"
Meaning thereby, not only that he does not
ride well, but that he does not sit on the
right part of the horse's back. To have a
good seat, it is necessary the rider should sit
on that part of the horse which, as he
springs in his paces, is the centre of motion;
and from which centre, of course, any
weight placed there would be with most
difficulty shaken by that motion. As we see
exemplified in the case of a board placed on
a just balance, the centre will always be
most at rest, so the true seat will be found
in that part of the saddle into which the
rider's body would slide naturally, were he
to ride without stirrups ; and is only to be
preserved by a proper poise of the body, and
the adaptation thereof to the violent coun-
teractions of the horse, though the genera-
lity of riders imagine the thing is to be done
by the grasp of the knees and thighs.
Whereas, the rider should consider himself

HUNTING SEAT. 25

&s united to his horse at this point of equi-
librium, and when shaken from it endeavour
to restore the balance, by falling into it, as
'twere, at the next stride he takes.

Perhaps the bare mention of the two ex-
tremes of a bad seat, may more clearly elu-
cidate what is the true one. The first of
these is, when the rider sits very far back
on the saddle, so that his weight presses on
the loins of his horse ; the other extreme is,
when the body hangs over the pommel of
the saddle, and the rider's teeth run the
risk of being knocked out by the horse's
poll — in leaping. The first may be seen
practised by grooms, when they ride with
their stirrups affectedly short, and by turf
jockies necessarily so, that they may em-
ploy the pulls, and ' get hold of the horse's
head :' the latter extreme is resorted to by
timid horsemen, on the least flutter the horse
may be put into.

Every good rider has, even on the hunt-
ing-saddle, as determinate a position for his
thighs as can be demonstrated for him by
admeasurement — as was done for the more
formal seat in a former page (the 17th.) In-
deed, there is no difference between the seat

26

for the one and the other service, except
that, as in the first the stirrups are taken up
shorter, so the body is consequently thrown
more backward than the knees — viewing
both straight up and down.

Saddle pressure. Would the rider have a
good seat himself? Then must his saddle
sit well. But, to fix on any precise rule
for all kinds of backs would be a difficult
task, and scarcely attainable ; but one rule
we may set down as incontrovertible, and
which might be a proper direction to give
the workman, — namely, to permit the sad-
dle to bear as equally as possible on the
part just described as the point of union be-
tween the man and horse, taking especial
care not to obstruct the action of the horse's
shoulder. As the seat in some measure de-
pends on the saddle itself, it may not be
amiss to observe that, because a saddle with
a high pommel is thought dangerous to the
rider's person, the contrary extreme prevails,
and the pommel is scarcely allowed to be
made higher than the middle of the saddle.
Agreed, that the saddle should lie as near
the back-bone as it can be formed without
hurting the horse ; for, the nearer you sit to

POMMEL AND WITHERS. 27

his back, the better seat you obtain. But,
if it does so sit, it is plain that the pommel
must rise sufficiently to secure the withers
from pressure ; therefore it follows, that a
horse whose withers are higher than com-
mon, (a well-built hunter for example,) re-
quires a pommel higher by so much as he
excels the generality of horses. If, to avoid
this assumed danger, your workmen make
the saddle of a more straight line, the in-
convenience before spoken of follows, — viz.
you sit too much above the horse's back, the
saddle cannot form the proper seat, nor can
you be pronounced ' a horse-back' at aU.
z3r There should be no ridge from, the button
at the side of the pommel to the back part
of the saddle, as formerly practised ; but
that line should be a little concave for your
thighs to lay in at their ease. In short, a
right proper saddle ought to be formed as
nearly as possible, as if it were cut out of
the horse.

In the middle of such a saddle, let the
horseman place himself, and there sit erect,
as per example, (plate 2,) but with as little
stiffness in his manner as in his ordinary
sitting at home : he may repose himself, but

c 2

28 EASY SEAT. TRICKS,

should not lounge; for ease of action, and
unconstrained manner on horseback, mark the
gentleman, as much as any other movement
he may be called upon to make, whether
this be before a gaping public, or at Court,
or in presence of the or nates of the land.
Dancing, presentation, ' taking the oaths/
the entree and sortie du carrosse, la promenade
agriable in the parks — all vanish before
the tout-a-fait a-horseback, like thin thin air.
Moreover, the set and studied erectness ac-
quired to excess in the manage riding-
schools, by those whose deportment may
not be otherwise easy, ever appears like the
effect of constraint, and is not only ungen-
teel and unnatural, but wholly un-English
to boot, and therefore to be discarded by
the true-horn.

Tricks. If a horse stops short, or endea-
vours by rearing or kicking to unseat his
rider, bend not the body forward, as many
do under similar circumstances, because that
motion throws his breech backward, and he
off his fork or twist, and, consequently, he is
now thrown out of his proper seat. Whereas,
would he preserve it, advancing the lower
part of the body, and bending back the

HOW COUNTERACTED. 29

upper part and shoulders, is the only true
method of keeping his seat, as it is to re-
cover it when lost. In taking the flying
leap, this bending of the body, and that in
a great degree, is a great security for going
over safe, as it is also in the standing leap.
The horse's rising does not try the rider's
seat, but the lashing out of his hind legs is
what ought to be chiefly guarded against ;
and this is best done by the body's being
greatly inclined backward. In this endeavour
to counteract his unruly efforts, do not stiffen
the legs or thighs, but let the body be plia-
ble at the loins, like unto the coachman's on
his box. This loose manner of sitting such
a horse, will elude his every adverse mo-
tion, however roughly put in force; whereas,
the fixture of the knees against his sides,
that manoeuvre which mistaken persons com-
monly lay great stress on, will, in great
shocks, only conduce to the certainty and
violence of the fall.

By way of illustrating this last point. —
Were the cricket-player, when he would
catch the ball that is struck with great vio-
lence, and sent with much velocity, to hold
his hand firm &nd fixed when he receives it,

30 A STIFF SEAT UNSAFE,

the hand would be bruised, or the bones
fractured probably, by the resistance thus
offered. Therefore, to obviate such an ac-
cident, he gradually recedes his hand with
the motion of the ball for a certain distance,
and thus, by the due admixture of resis-
tance and compliance, he catches it without
sustaining the least injury. The case is
exactly the same in riding restless horses :
the skilful horseman, on being unseated,
will recover his equipoise, by giving way
to the motion in some measure, whilst the
unskilful rider will be flung completely out
of his seat, by such ill-assorted attempts to
remain fixed in it — thus exemplifying the
story of the oak, that gets broken through its
stiffness, whilst the bending willow escapes.
The legs are mainly concerned in main-
taining a good seat, as was observed at a
preceding page, (13); therefore, stretch not
the legs forward, as this has the effect of
pushing you against the hinder part of the
saddle ; neither gather up your knees, like
a man riding on a pack of wool, as this
throws the thighs upwards. Either of those
mistaken practices unseats you. But keep
your legs straight down, so that the knees

LENGTH OF STIRRUP. 31

may prevent you from seeing the feet, and
sit not on the most fleshy part of the thighs,
but so as to bring in your knees and toes.

The thighs, to have an effectual hold of
the saddle, should be turned inwards, so
that the hollow and muscular parts thereof
may lie smooth and flat on the saddle. But
whenever the rider finds his thighs thrown
upwards, let him widen his knees, in order
to get them and the upper part of his fork
lower down on the horse ; grasp the saddle
with the hollow or inner part of the thigh,
but not with more force than is just requi-
site to assist the body in maintaining its ba-
lance. This position enables him to keep his
spurs from the horse's sides, and to bring
the toes in, without that affected and use-
less manner of bringing them in, which is
daily practised by many inexpert horsemen.

Stirrups. Let your feet determine the
proper length of stirrup-leather, rather than
permit the stirrups to influence your seat.
If more precision be desirable, we may no-
tice that the length should be such in a
hunting-saddle, that when you stand up in
the stirrups, the breadth of four fingers'
space should be found to intervene between

32 TOES and heels; practising

your fork and the saddle. This suits hus-
sar riding ; but in all military exercises,
and every other where horse and rider are
of the strong kind, no seat is so secure as
a firm one on the saddle.

Sink your heels down; for, whilst the
heels and thighs are kept well down, the
rider cannot fall. This manoeuvre, aided
by the bend of the back, gives the requi-
site security to the seat of those who bear
themselves up in their stirrups in a swift
gallop, or in the alternate rising and falling
in a full trot. It is even more safe Jfco ride
with the ball of the foot pressing its own
weight and no more on the stirrup, than
with the stirrup as far back as the heel ; for
the pressure of the heel being in that case
behind the stirvup, keeps the thigh down in
its just position.

After all, to a young horseman the stirrups
will be found an incumbrance rather than
any assistance, and a fresh difficulty arises,
namely> the keeping of the foot in the stir-
rup. This must be surmounted by practice,
and the plying of the instep, to the action
which the body effects will keep it there.
The learner would derive much instruction.

THE LONGE ; OUTER PARERPHRA. 33

and acquire some adroitness, if he would
practise riding in a large circle ivithout stir-
rups, keeping his face looking on the out-
ward part of the circle, so as not to have a
full view of the horse's head, but just of
that ear only which is towards the outer part
of the circle ; hereby will that shoulder
which is towards the centre of the circle be
thrown considerably forward. By these
means, he learns to balance his body, and
keep a true seat, independently of the stir-
rups. He may likewise escape a fall at
some future period, should he at any time
lose the stirrups by being accidentally
shaken from his seat.

Further, let him not rely on the reins for
preserving his balance, for these are even less
to be depended on than the stirrups : practice
and the observation of these rules, will best
teach him how to maintain his equipoise.
After practising the longe, as just recom-
mended in large circles, at an easy gentle
trot, he will next proceed to increase his
pace, and to contract his circles. In this
case, he will find it necessary not only for
the body to lean with the horse, but like-
wise to bend, or be turned in the same di-

c 3

34 FORWARD SIGNAL.

rection as the horse turns his head, which,
of course, will be inclined towards the centre
of the circle. This may be considered the
first deviation from strict progression.

O. PROGRESSION.

When you would have your horse go for-
ward, teach him to move by pressing both
knees close to his sides ; speak to him, if
you please, but avoid applying the whip,
unless for shew. If you wish to accelerate
your progress, press the knees with more
force, and increase it, until the spurs just
touch him. By well regulating this prac-
tice, he will (if he has any spirit) move for-
ward upon the least pressure of the legs;
or, if with one leg, he will thrust out the
croup of the other side, and so be taught to
go sideways, if need be, to avoid disagree-
able objects ; for a horse will learn any thing,
by your attending to such matters, and a
good quality may as easily be taught him
as an ill one. Never spur the horse with
a kick ; but, if it be necessary to spur him
briskly, keep your heels close to his sides;

STEADINESS INDISPENSABLE 35

as he becomes obedient to the impulse, relax
the pressure, and he will not soon forget
that the same discipline awaits him.

Chastisement is generally carried with too
high a hand. Most men whip and spur
the horse severely to make him go faster be-
fore they bid him ; but that must be allowed
silly and cruel treatment, to beat and abuse a
generous high spirited creature, before you
have signified your wishes to him, by some
token he may previously be taught to under-
stand ; one who would obey you if he knew
your pleasure, and whom it is quite soon
enough to punish when he refuses to com-
ply, or resists your commands. Neither haul
his head about with too tight a rein, as this
deadens the barrs of his mouth, and makes
him " heavy on the hand;" whereas, the
rider should yield or slacken the bitt fre-
quently to him, lest by continual pressure
on the barrs, these lose their sensibility and
become indurated, so that the horse no lon-
ger answers to the pull, and is then said to
be " a hard-mouthed one," that ' arms him-
self against his rider.' Much depends upon
the quietness of the bridle-hand, for the
safe and pleasant prosecution of your jour-

36 DISPOSITION OF THE LIMBSv

ney or exercise, so keep your elbows steady
and light? if you would preserve the due
feeling of his mouth,

Arms and elbows being carried awkwardly,,
now as high as the shoulders, now down
again, like a tailor, according to the paces
of the horse, contributes as much as any
other mistaken notion to spoil the barrs.
Besides which, the posture is extremely un-
becoming, and the weight of the arms,
and of the body, too, if the rider does not
sit still, act in continual jerks on the jaw of
the horse ; all which must give the animal
pain, and cause disquiet and restlessness,
if he has a tender mouth, or any spirit in
him. Such bad riders frequently express
their wonderment how it comes to pass, that
horses which have caused trouble to them-
selves, immediately become gentle as soon
as they are mounted by skilful ones! though,
to their perception, this skill seems unem-
ployed. But the sheer reason for this alter-
ation in his behaviour is, that the horse is
permitted to go at his ease, yet finds all his
motions watched and guarded against, which
he in turn has sagacity enough to discover.
A rider of any intelligence will even hide

UNGENTEEL HORSEMEN. 37

his whip, if he finds his horse is afraid of it;
and keeps his legs well from his sides, if he
ascertains that the punished animal dreads
the spur; as he does also endeavour to avoid
the infliction of any other disagreeable thing
upon him, as we shall see in the sequel.
In like manner, avoid the ungraceful cus-
tom of permitting the legs to dangle against
the sides of the horse ; and, as you are not
to keep your arms and elbows high, nor in
motion, so fall not into the contrary extreme
of rivetting them to your sides, but let them
fall easy from the shoulder to the elbow.
Any one of experience may, at considerable
distance, distinguish a genteel horseman from
an awkward one ; for the one sits still, as
'twere, and appears of a piece with his
horse, whereas the latter seems flying off
at all points, like a disordered logician,
striving to bring his scattered notions to a
bearing.

38 THE PULLS, HOW PERFORMED.

b. THE APPLIANCES.

The reins are evidently of prime impor-
tance in every evolution ; yet, whoever thinks
of holding on by them endangers his seat
and spoils the horse's mouth. Let the hand
be firm, and the reins of such a length as
to feel and support the horse. Sit square;
and let not the purchase of the bridle pull
forward your shoulder, but keep your body
even, just the same as it would be if each
hand held a rein. Hold the reins with the
whole grasp of your hand (the left), dividing
them with the little finger. Let your hand
be perpendicular, the thumb being upper-
most and placed on the bridle.

Bend your wrist a little outward, and when
you pull the bridle, raise your hand towards
your breast, and the lower part of the palm
rather more than the upper part.

Let the bridle be of such a length in your
hand, that, in case of stumbling, you may
be able to raise the horse's head and sup-
port it by the strength of your arms and
the weight of your body thrown backward.

A LIGHT REIN I THE BARRS. 39

If you hold the rein at too great a length,
it will be seen, that in effecting this simple
manoeuvre you are subject to fall backward
as the horse rises.

If, knowing your horse perfectly well,
you think a tight rein unnecessary to your
present pace, advance your arm a little,
but not your shoulder, towards the horse's
head, still keeping your usual length of rein.
By this means you have a check upon your
horse, whilst you indulge him with lessen-
ing the pressure on the barrs.

Vice of any sort is much easier corrected
at its first appearance, than after long habit
has confirmed the evil propensity. When
your horse attempts to be vicious, take each
rein separately, one in each hand, and ad-
vancing both arms forward, hold him very
short. In such cases, it is the common
practice for unknowing riders to pull him
hard, with the arms low ; but the horse,
having by this means his head low, too, has
more power to throw out his heels ; whereas,
if his head be raised very high, and his nose
thrust out a little, which is a necessary con-
sequence thereof, he can neither rear up
before nor yerk out behind ; because he can

40

give himself neither of those motions with-
out having his head at liberty. On the
same principle, a plank, balanced in equi-
librio, cannot rise at one end unless it be
depressed at the other.

The pulls. If a horse is headstrong, pull
not with one continued pull, but stop and
back him often, just shaking the reins and
making several little repeated pulls until he
obeys. Many horses are so accustomed to
bear on the bitt when* going forward, that
they do not comprehend that a steady pull
is the signal to desist, besides that, after
long continuance, the barrs are thereby
benumbed : others, again, appear discou-
raged if the rider does not so indulge them
in their old habit.

But, if a horse is loose-necked, he will
throw up his head at the continued pull ;
in which situation, the rider may rest as-
sured on seeing the front of his face, that
he has lost all power over him, without an
entire change of tactics.

Whenever a horse thus enacts his part,
drop your hand and give the bridle play,
and he will drop his head again, as matter
of course, into its proper place. Whilst it

AND THE LOOSE-NECKED. 41

is coming down, make a second gentle pull,
and you will Jind his mouth. With a little
practice, this feat is achieved almost instan-
taneously, and, in the distance of a few
yards, will stop the progress of any horse
which would inevitably run away with those
who pull at him with all their might. Al-
most every one must have observed that,
when a horse feels himself pulled with the
bridle, even when he is going gently, he
frequently mistakes what was designed to
stop him, as a direction to bear on the bitt,
and to go faster.

The rule here given how to ride a loose-
necked horse, will be the proper one for all
light-mouthed horses, — one or two precau-
tions being added thereto ; namely, to search
whether his saddle, or girths, may not in
some way pinch him ; also, whether the bitt
may not hurt his lip by being placed too
high in his mouth ; for, whenever the suffer-
ing animal frets from either of those causes,
how can we reasonably expect that his head
will be steady ?

Kf- It is a common custom with some peo-
ple, to be always 'pulling at the bridle, as if
they would set off to advantage either the

42 CARRY LOW. DEALERS' ARTS ;

spirit of the horse or the skill of the rider.
The ill effect of this treatment is, that such
horses are thereby taught to hold their heads
low, and to pull so as to bear up the rider
from the saddle, standing in his stirrups,
even in the gentlest gallop. How very im-
proper this conduct is, we are experimen-
tally convinced when we happen to meet
with a horse which gallops otherwise : we
are then constrained to say, ' he canters
excellently,' and find the ease and pleasure
of his going. I am free to allow that, when
horses are designed for the race-course, and
swiftness is the main consideration, the me-
thod is a good one, and is practised, I ob-
serve, on the turf with success ; but that
comes not within the scope of our present
purpose:. which is that of gentlemanly riding-
only.

Dealers, also, may be privileged from re-
buke on this head — it is their trade. There-
fore is it not to be wondered at, that they
are always pulling at their horses ; that they
have the spur constantly in their sides, and
are at the same time continually checking
the rein ; for, by these means they make
their property bound about and champ the

AND MODE OF RIDING. 43

bitt, whilst their rage being thus spurted
up, has the appearance of spirit and great
mettle. Those people also ride with their
arms spread out, and stoop very low over
the shoulders of their horses : this method
makes the animals to be sold to stretch their
necks, and imparts a more pleasing appear-
ance to their forehands ; it further contri-
butes to conceal a thick jowl, the which, if
the head be raised up, would prevent its
yielding to the bitt, besides serving to hide
the ewe-neck which might otherwise evince
itself in a manner not to be mistaken.

Indeed, there is only one excuse for such
very unseemly proceedings ; for it may be
allowed, if you have a horse unsteady to
the bitt, formed with a naturally heavy
head, or one which carries his nose obsti-
nately in the air, you must find his mouth
where you may, and make the best of him
you can.

Bitts. — If you ride with a curb, make it
a rule to hook on the chain yourself: the
most quiet horse may bring his rider into
danger should the curb hurt him. If, in
fixing the curb, you turn the chain to the
right, the links will unfold themselves and

44 CURB, MANAGEMENT.

thus prevent a farther turning. Put on the
chain loose enough to hang down on the
horse's under lip, so that it may not rise
and press his under jaw until the reins of
the bridle are moderately pulled.

Keep your horse's head high, that he
may raise his neck and crest ; play a little
with the rein, move the bitt in his mouth,
that he may not press on it in one constant
and continued manner. Be not afraid of
raising his head too high ; he will naturally
be too ready to bring it down, and tire your
arms with its weight, on the least abate-
ment of his mettle. Whenever you feel him
heavy, stop him, and make him go back a
few paces ; whereby you break by degrees
his propensity to press on the bridle.

Curb. — It is advisable to ride with a
snaffle, and use your curb occasionally only,
— provided you use one. Choose your snaf-
fle full and thick in the mouth, especially
at the ends, to which the reins are fastened.
It has been a long-standing complaint, that
the snaffle is made too small and long, so
that it bends back over the barrs of the horse's
jaw, working like pincers, and cutting his
mouth; whereas, its operation is rendered

PLAYING THE REINS. 45

milder by the mouth-piece being made of a
tolerable substance, even the size of one's
finger ; and milder still, for young mouths
and tender ones, if the centre thereof be
united by a ring in the middle.

The management of the curb is too nice
a matter to be fully entered upon here ;
wherefore let us no farther prescribe rules
than to recommend great caution in its use
and application ; a turn of the wrist, rather
than the weight of your arm, being quite
sufficient for its guidance. The well-known
elasticity of the fishing-rod, when it has
hooked a fish, imparts a good idea of the
proper play of a horse's head, by means of
his bridle : his spirit and his pliableness are
both marked by it.

A horse should never be put to do any
thing in a curb that he is not ready at. You
may force him, or pull his head about any
way with a snaffle ; but a curb is calculated
only for acting in a direct line a-head. True
it is, that a horse will be turned out of one
track into another by a curb, but this is ef-
fected only because he knows it as a signal.
When he is put to draw a one-horse chaise,
and does not understand the necessity he is

46 BITTS, POWER OF ,*

then under of taking a larger sweep when
he turns, you frequently see him ' become
restive,' as they are pleased to term his
behaviour ; but, put him on a snaffle, or
buckle the rein to that part of the bitt which
does not curb him, and the horse suffers
himself to be pulled about until he compre-
hends what it is you desire of him.

Colts are taught to bear a bitt, and, by
degrees, to pull at it. By the way, if they
did not press it, they could not be guided
by it. By degrees, they find that their
necks are stronger than the arms of the
rider ; and that they are capable of making
great opposition, if not of foiling their riders.
Then is the period of time to make them
supple and pliant all over ; and the part
which of all others most requires this pliancy
is the neck, whence the metaphor of ' stiff-
necked generation,' for disobedience. A horse
cannot move his head, but by help of the
muscles of his neck ; indeed, the neck has
been aptly termed his helm, as it guides
his course, — it also changes and directs his
every movement.

To shew the use and employment of this
pliancy in every part and every limb of the

VARIOUS INVENTIONS. 47

horse, would be an undertaking far beyond
the original design of these few lessons, ad-
dressed as they are to the less-experienced
and careless horseman. His idea of supple-
ness need go no farther than that of an
ability and readiness in a horse to move any
limb, or limbs, on a signal given him by the
hands or legs of the rider ; as, also, to bend
his body and move in a short compass, quick
and collected within himself, so as instantly
to be able and ready to perform any other
required motion.

These rules and instructions as to the
proper employment of what may be termed
the instruments usually applied to guide the
horse, pre-suppose that he has spirit in him,
and a good mouth ; but if he is without
either, or both, you must take your beast as
you find him, and ride him with such a bitt
as you find more to your taste. Indeed,
many of the modern bitts, which have ge-
nerally received the names of their inven-
tors, were adapted solely to individual horses
or persons, with some peculiarity or other
attached to them.

48 HEAD : CARRY HIGH.

7. CARRIAGE.

No horseman ought to be satisfied, though
so many are, with a round neck, and a head
that is drawn in towards the breast. Not
that it will be altogether amiss, though your
horse carry his head bridling in, provided,
at the same time, he carries it tolerably high,
with his neck arching upwards ; but if his
neck bend downwards, his figure is invaria-
bly disagreeable, his sight being too near
his toes, — he then leans on the bridle, and
the rider can have no command over him.
If he press on the bridle lightly, he is the
more sure-footed, and goes pleasanter for it,
as your wrist alone may then guide him.
But if he hang down his head, and makes
you to support the weight both of this and
the neck, with your arms bearing on his
withers, which is called, being ' on his
shoulders,' he will strike his toes against
the ground and stumble.

Rein up, occasionally, if you would have
your horse carry well ; and if he is thus
heavy on the bitt, tie him every day for an

THE ARCHED CREST. 49

hour or two with his tail to the manger, and
his head as high as you can make him lift
it up, by means of a rein, passing over a
pulley, on each post of the stall, tied to each
ring of the snaffle bitt.

The Neck. — Horse-breakers and grooms
have a mighty propensity to bring a horse's
head down, and seem to have no seat without
a strong hold by the bridle. They know,
indeed, that the head should yield to the
reins, and the neck form an arch, but do not
take the proper pains to make it arch up-
wards. A temporary effect of attempting
to raise a horse's head, without employing
due skill, may be to make him push out his
nose, perhaps. Hereupon they will tell you,
that \ his head is already too high,' proba-
bly; whereas, it is not the distance from
his nose to the ground which determines the
question of the head being too high or too low,
but the admeasurement is to take place from
the top of the head to the ground, to enable us
to judge rightly. Besides, though the fault is
usually considered to depend on the manner
of carrying the head, it should rather be
said to be in that of carrying the neck ; for,
if the neck be raised, the head will then be

50 SETTING ON OF THE HEAD.

found more in the position of one set on
upon a well formed neck.

Some pointed remarks on this setting on of
the head and neck, the result of much la-
boured investigation and long observation,
may be profitably consulted in Hinds's Ve-
terinary Surgery, pages 52, 59.

Carry low. — The design, therefore, of lift-
ing up the head, is demonstrably to raise the
neck, and thereby bring in the head ; for,
the horse's nose may be drawn in or thrust
out, even while the bridle makes the same
line from the hand to the bitt, according as
his neck be so raised or depressed. But, in
defiance of this rule, we usually see colts
attempted to be broke in with their necks
cavezoned very low, their necks stiff, and
not in the least suppled. Whence arises fur-
ther mischiefs ; for, no sooner is the break-
ing tackle laid aside, and they are mounted
for the road, with a larger allowance of corn
and rest, than they show their tricks, fre-
quently plunge and shy, in consequence of
the injudicious treatment to which they have
been subjected : hence arises the necessity
of a second breaking ; and, as few gentle-
men can manage their own horses, they are

CARRIAGE OF THE FOREHAND. 51

put into the hands of some half-taught
groom, or rough-rider, of rough temper and
little discretion, from whom they learn a
variety of bad habits.

Carry high. — If, on the other hand, your
horse carries his head, or rather his nose,
too high, he generally makes some amends
by moving his shoulders lightly and going
safely.

This fault in the carriage of the forehand
is well worth a moment's investigation.
Some horses' necks are set on so low at the
shoulders that they bend first downwards
and then upwards, so much like the stag's,
that some do call such awkward conforma-
tion ' stag-necked.' Some of these have
the upper line of their necks, from the ears
to the withers, too short ; and some necks
are attended with both faults at the same
time. Now, it is palpable, that a head of
this sort cannot possibly bend inwards so as
to form the proper arch, because the neck
bones or vertebrce, are then too short to ad-
mit of the proper flexure ; for, notwith-
standing these bones in long and short neck-
ed horses are always the same in number,
(viz. seven)— they are not so in their form,

d 2

52 NECK-BONES, ILL-FORMED.

or the manner of joining each other. Than
the shape of these neck bones, severally,
scarce any thing so eccentric can be found
in the horse ; all conducing, however, to its
natural motions, and all so nearly alike as
to articulate into each other, except the
lowest bone, almost, next to the throat. Here
you may feel that this one bone — which is
considered the sixth vertebra, has a wider
process underneath than either of the upper
bones, and in some horses is considerably
out of proportion. On this disproportion
mainly depends that awkward setting on of
the neck, which acquires the term ' stiff-
necked,' from its want of pliancy, or not
answering to the rein, which is satisfacto-
rily accounted for by the muscular and liga-
mentary covering adapting itself to the shape
of the bones ; but principally of that large
ligament which passes from the poll to the
withers underneath the mane, to suspend
and keep in position the head and neck.

Thick head. — In some horses, again, the
jaw-bone is found so thick, that it meets the
neck, and the head by this means has not
sufficient room to bend. On the other hand,
some have the under line from the jaw to

THICK HEAD, REMEDIES FOR. 53

the breast so short that the neck cannot rise.
Both kinds of mal-conformation are irreme-
diable, entirely ; though, in all these cases,
you may gain a little by a nice hand with
an easy bitt ; but no curb, martingale, or
other forcible means, will teach a horse to
carry his head or neck in a posture which
nature has made uneasy to him. By trying
to pull in his nose further than he can bear,
you will only add a bad habit to the natural
defect. You could not, indeed, contrive a
more effectual method than this to make him
continually toss his nose up, and throw his
foam oyer you.

8. OF STARTING AND SHYING.

Many horses are taught to start habitual-
ly, by flogging them for starting ; but, in
the name of common-sense let us ask, how
is it possible they can comprehend that it is
designed as a punishment for so doing I
Something has occurred that occasions fear
of bodily infliction, and now they are taught
that this punishment is assuredly followed by
whipping, spurring, and (with some) by a

54 STARTING TAUGHT.

good rating over. In the manage-riding-
house this misconduct is very fairly exem-
plified by its contrary. There, by the same
means, they teach a horse to rise up before,
and to spring and yerk out his hinder legs
■ in the most beautiful manner possible,' as
they say, calling it la capriole; this they
effect, by whipping or pricking him when
tied between two pillars whilst his head is a
little at liberty. Whereas, if the horse un-
der such treatment were brought to appre-
hend this was a punishment for doing so, he
would not by these means learn to perform
such high capers.

Through the same mistaken notion, peo-
ple teach the animal to spring and fly off
while it is already scared or frightened.
Whereas, most shying horses would go
quietly past any object they might begin to
fly from, if their riders, instead of gather-
ing up their bridles, and showing themselves
so ready to recognise the frightful object,
were they to throw the reins loose on their
horses' necks. On the contrary, however,
when a horse starts at any thing on one
side, most riders turn him out of the road
to make him go up to what he started at :

SHYING AVOIDED. 55

if he does not get the better of his fears, or
readily comply, he generally goes past the
object, making with his hinder parts, or
croup, a great circle out of the road;
whereas, previous to the first affright, as
well as after it, he should be taught to keep
strait on, without minding objects of any
sort on either side.

Rule. If your horse starts at any thing on
the left, let us suppose, hold his head high,
and keep it straight in the road you are
going, pulling it from looking towards the
thing he starts at, and keeping your right
leg hard pressed against his side, towards
his flank : he will then go straight along the
road. By these means, and by turning his
head a trifle more away, he may be forced
with his croup close up to the object that
affrighted him; for, as his head is pulled in
one direction, his croup mechanically turns
to the opposite.

m* Always avoid a quarrel with your
horse, if you can. Should he be apt to
start, you will find plenty of occasions on
which to exercise your own patience and
his obedience, when the object he starts at

56 scared horse; false notions

lies directly in the way you would go, and
you must make him pass it. If he is not
subject to start, you should not contend with
him about trifles, lest you make bad worse.

Previous education goes a great way in
obviating the recurrence of vices of this
nature; so that this rule for going past a
dreaded object may, perhaps, be somewhat
inapplicable to a regularly-taught managed
horse, which will always obey the leg; but
even such a horse, if he be really afraid and
not restive, it may not be amiss to make
look another way; unless the object be some-
thing you would particularly accustom him
to the sight of; and then, when you may
have brought him up to it mechanically
with his croup near the object, gently face
him about towards it : be steady.

In like manner, the case will also be dif-
ferent with a horse whose fear is owing to
his being unused to certain objects — of a
military description, for example; but such
an one is not to be rode by any horseman
to whom these Rules are chiefly addressed:
the starting here meant to be guarded
against, is that which arises principally

AS TO EDUCATION : CORRECTION. 57

from the horse being pampered, and spring-
ing about through liveliness, and for want
of a proper education.

Facing a dreaded object admits of being-
considered in a somewhat more philosophical
point of view than we have yet presented
the affair. Among the rest, the notion of
making a horse go immediately up to every
thing he is afraid of, under the idea of not
suffering him to become master of his rider,
seems to be carried too far. Allowed, that
it is an approved and proper manner of con-
quering a horse's fear of the sound of a
drum, for instance, by beating one near him
at the time of feeding ; by reason of this not
only familiarizing him to the noise, but of its
becoming pleasant as the forerunner of his
meat ; whereas, nought can be more clear to
our perception, that if he were to be whip-
ped up to the drum, he would start at it,
perhaps, as long as he lived. Ought not
this to teach us a lesson as to other dreaded
matters and things ; and shew, that it would
be infinitely better to suffer the affrighted
horse (provided he does not absolutely turn
back) to go a little from, and avoid an ob-

d3

58 GENTLE TREATMENT BEST

ject he has a dislike to, and accustom him
to it by degrees, assuring him that it will
occasion him no harm — than to punish him,
quarrel with him, and then submit to his
will after all? Whereas, it is the common
practice for the rider to insist on the horse's
overcoming his fears in an instant ; the con-
sequence whereof is, if he sees the like ob-
ject again, it is probable he will recollect
his former dread, and arm himself to renew
his disobedience.

Men in general are too apt to suppose,
that a horse fears nothing so much as his
rider, with whip and spur arrayed ; but may
he not be presumed to go in fear of instant
destruction, under such circumstances? Of
being crushed to death — of being drowned
— of falling down a precipice? Ought it to
be any wonder that a horse should be afraid
of a loaded waggon, for instance, with its
impending weight far above his head? May
not the hanging load seem to threaten its
falling on him ! Wherefore, I am convinced,
that no rule for road-riding can be more
generally applicable to all such cases, than
to shew the astonished animal that there is

FOR SCARED HORSES. 59

plenty of room for him to pass untouched —
that, in fact, no danger whatever is to be
apprehended. This is to be achieved, as
before observed, by turning his head from
the carriage, or other object of aversion,
and pressing your knee, which is farthest
from it, against his side.

Though it be perfectly agreed that no
man ought to whip his horse for starting,
no good effect is ever produced from clap-
ping his neck with your hand to encourage
him, as is commonly practised. If one took
any notice whatever of his starting, it should
be rather with some tone of voice, which he
usually understood as expressive of dislike
at what he is doing ; for, be assured there is
opposition mixed with his starting, and a
horse is ever disposed to repeat what he finds
has once foiled his rider.

A maxbn, universally received by the best
horsemen, says, that ' a horse is not to stop
without a sign to that eifect from his rider.'
Is it not then probable, when he is forcibly
driven up to a carriage, or other dreaded
object, that he conceives himself compelled
either to attack it or run against it? Can he

60 MAXIMS AS TO SHYING;

understand the rider's spurring him, with his
face directed towards it, as the sign for him
to pass by it? Nay, it would be the essence
of foolishness to suppose such a thing.

Hints of the most useful nature may be
drawn from experience in every active con-
cern of life ; and on the subject of starting
and shying, and the restlessness of horses, as
much as any other. Hence, we learn, — 1st,
That a horse is easily alarmed for the safety
of his face and eyes ; 2d, That he will not
go with any force, face to face, even to an-
other horse, if he have the power to stop ;
3d, He sees perfectly sideways ; and, 4th,
That he will even catch back his head from
a friendly hand, that may be intended to
caress him, is equally known to many horse-
men. To which we may instructively add,
that this conciliatory manoeuvre once ac-
complished, and the person's hand permitted
to pass gently across his eyes, aslantwise,
his submission is unbounded. We may here,
also, direct that the groom who would thus
conciliate his horses for any purpose what-
ever, (as shoeing, clipping, trimming,)
should commence his caresses by giving a

HOW TO BE OVERCOME. 61

few bits of carrot singly from the hand,
with which his jacket pockets may have been
provided for the purpose.

Finally, as to starting. — Notwithstanding
the instructions before given, of not pres-
sing a horse up to a carriage of the descrip-
tion which he starts at; yet it sometimes
happens, that such a one as you apprehend
will frighten him meets you at a narrow
part of the road ; then, what is to be done,
for onwards you must go ? litr When you
have once let him know he is to pass it, be
sure you remain determined, regard the
contest as one in which you must conquer,
or lose your character as a horseman, and
press him on with both legs at him. Per-
severe more especially when part of the
carriage may have already passed you ; for
this reason — if, when he is frightened, he is
accustomed to go back and turn round, he
will most assuredly repeat it, whenever he
finds, by your hand slackening and legs
failing to press against him, that you are
irresolute, not firm of intention ; and this
part he will most probably enact at the most
dangerous crisis of the rencontre, — namely,
when there is scarcely room for him to turn,

62 DANGER FROM CARRIAGES.

and the wheels of the carriage take him in
the rear. What unhappy consequences re-
sult from this state of affairs, it were super-
fluous to describe. ##* Remember not to
touch the curb-rein on such an occasion, as
it would most certainly so check him as to
add to the confusion and danger of the
scene : May you get well throught it, and
bring away your horse safely !

Leading a horse from such a scene is no
very easy job ; nor is this most simple
of all the acts of progression usually per-
formed in even a tolerable manner. It is
not known to every one, that the person who
would lead a horse by the bridle, should
not turn his face towards him when the ani-
mal dislikes, hesitates, or refuses to follow ;
for the eyes of mankind and the voice of man
intimidate the horse, and inspire him with
fear of punishment; especially after kicking
up a row with each other, in the manner just
contemplated, or indeed any other of less
moment. If, in addition hereto, the horse-
leader raises up his arms, shews his whip,
or pulls the bridle with jerks, he frightens
the horse, instead of persuading him to fol-
low, which a little trouble and less patience

CONDUCTING A HORSE IN HAND. 63

might have accomplished pleasantly to both
parties : a temper ruffled at setting out in
the morning, scarcely subsides during the
day ; for horses are not ' troubled with short
memories,' like some gentlemen, whom we
hesitate fully to designate.

9. RULES ON A JOURNEY THE FOOT,

Passing over the more obvious precautions
to be taken upon setting out, as regards the
fitness of your horse for the undertaking,
his general health, — the remedying of any
defect, — the state of his legs, and other
minute particulars, we come at once to those
matters whereon mistaken notions prevail.

While on a journey, be less attentive to
your hores's nice carriage of himself, than
to your encouragement of him, and keeping
him in good humour. Raise his head ; but
when he flags, by reason of a long day or
over-strong work, you may indulge him with
bearing a little more upon the bitt than you
would allow in taking a mere airing exer-
cise, or afternoon's canter in the Park. If
a horse is lame, he naturally hangs upon the

64 JOURNEYING PRECAUTIONS :

bridle ; and so he does, in a less degree, you
will observe, when his feet become tender
through pace, or he is merely tired. On a
journey, therefore, the state of his mouth
will materially depend on his strength and
the goodness of his feet. Be you very care-
ful, then, about the feet ; and when you re-
quire his services, permit not the shoeing
smith to spoil them by his want of skill.
A very few simple directions, which shall
not be extremely digressive, will enable you
to keep them from the impending danger of
contracted sole, if not permanent lameness;
and you resort to Osmer's Treatise on this
ever-interesting point of good Horsemanship,
when, perhaps, it is too late — for, remember
the old adage, * No foot, no horse.'

Shoeing. — When your horse requires to
be shod, suffer not his soles to be hollowed
out, as is still too much practised, but
order the wall or crust only to be pared
quite flat, even with the sole, and take off
most at the toe. In fact, ' short toes !'
should be a maxim in every body's mouth,
at the bare sight of a smithy. But there
is generally a mischievous finishing stroke
of the rasp given by the farrier, all round

NO FOOT NO HORSE. 65

the edge of the horn next above the shoe,
' for the sake of neatness and finish/ as is
asserted. Whereas, no mal-practice in shoe-
ing is more demonstrably harmful to the
feet ; this being the most useful part of the
horn, especially at the quarters, ought to
suffer no diminution whatever ; but, on the
contrary, stand much in need of augmen-
tation, more particularly the inside quarters ;
and keeping the toes short constantly, con-
tributes greatly to effect this desirable
strengthening thereof. Whatever the ill-
advised workman may subtract from this
part, is very like a carpenter's paring the
bottom of a post, which of consequence
weakens it in the most essential way at the
place where the greatest strength is re-
quired. Neither let the heel be pared, nor
the frog, more than to take off what is rag-
ged or broken ; and even this small portion,
it would be more adviseable for you your-
self to take off with your pocket-knife
after the job is over, than trust the paring
in any degree to a farrier's discretion.

If this precaution were adopted by our
horse-proprietors, the feet of their cattle
would be less liable to corns and other evils

66 shoeing: points worth knowing

of weak sole ; as it would in that event
escape the compression it is exposed to by
the usual manner of shoeing and paring ;
for pressure of the wall upon the sole, seems
undoubtedly the true cause of corns. This
would secure the feet against wounds by
nails, flints, and so on, which cannot
pierce through a frog in its natural state,
and hence is avoided the lameness that is
too often incurred from such causes. A
frog so maintained is of still farther use :
it keeps the two divisions of the heel broad
and apart in a healthy state. Yet do far-
riers perform their operation totally dif-
ferent, and pare the frog very thin, ( in
order to open the heel,' as they mistakenly
phrase it. By which saying of theirs it is
plain they feel the propriety of keeping
the heel broad and open, though, by this ill-
judged paring away, they counteract the
very effect they apparently aim at.

Ill-formed feet require that the shoes be
adapted thereto : if those of young horses
are thus out of shape, the smith may so con-
trive his shoes as to amend the defect ; if
those of old ones are become inveterately
deformed, he must fashion his work to the

LENGTH OF HEEL; PARING. 67

distortion thus assumed through old age and
hard work.

Heels. — Few besides stoned horses have
high heels, but when they have, the whole
foot must be pared flat, except the frog,
which must be left as it may be found, and
by no means hollowed out or opened, as
they term it. If a horse has a low heel, —
that is to say, such a foot as permits the
fleshy part of the heel to come too near the
ground, let him be pared only at the toe.
Persons of experience must have remarked
that all low-heeled horses, notwithstanding
they sometimes go clipping away from the
forge, soon recover their right gait, and
ever go their best pace after the shoes have
been on some days ; that is, when the foot
is grown longer, and the shoe in conse-
quence is become proportionately shorter,
whereby it sits more forward on the foot.

Short pastern, short shoe. — A horse with
short pastern bones (which are uniformly
speedy ones) requires a shorter shoe than
ordinary, because a long shoe brings his
heels more back than the unpliableness of
his pasterns will admit, without some degree
of pain. Allowed, that a short shoe may

68 ROYAL VETERINARY COLLEGIANS

possibly sometimes expose a horse to little
accidental lameness, but a long shoe, with
the nails necessarily driven far back near
the heels, will inevitably contract and ruin
them after a while.

Smiths err egregiously when they drive
the nails into any kind of foot very far back-
ward towards the heel, where the horn is
soft and sensible, and mostly so at the inner
quarters. And what is more strange, the
same workmen drive none at the toe part,
where every horse has a substance of horn
sufficient to bear nails, though not so at the
toes behind of heavy draught horses.

Further instructions concerning lameness
and shoeing of horses, that come well with-
in the comprehension of every one who can
read, may be consulted with profit and ad-
vantage, in Osmer's Treatise on the
Horse ; which work, its nature and con-
tents is more fully set forth in a subsequent
page. What is further commendatory of
Osmer's Work, is the evident fact, of his
having preceded those of the Royal Ve-
terinary College, at Pancras, by
many years, in the publication of all the
improvements in Farriery upon which the

PURLOIN FROM SURGEON OSMER. 69

professors, 'practitioner -s, and scholars of and
from that College have founded their as-
sumed discoveries, inventions, and even pa-
tents, which he had thus announced and
given to the public so many years before
them ; — and, but for Mr. Osmer' s Treatise
in their hands, it is to be presumed they
never would have been induced to turn
horse-doctors at all. One great and strik-
ing difference, however, existed between
these two parties for public favour; —
namely, what Osmer gave to his country
for a few shillings, they of the College (for
merely arguing upon the same topics) took,
from the national purse, a sum that has
amounted to ninety thousand odd pounds.
Here follows a list of the articles so pur-
loined from Osmer, and re-asserted by the
collegians to be their discoveries : —

1. The new system of shoeing.

2. Navicular diseases and lameness.

3. Compression of the sole Patent !

4. Injury of the coffin-bone.

5. Dislocation of the coffin-joint.

6. Ossification of the cartilages thereof.

7. Contracted heels: expansion-shoe

Patent !

70 KNOCK UP IN TRAVELLING,

8. Frog-pressure Another patent !

9. Short shoes, called " Osmer's shoe," by

one candid gent of their (dislocated)
body.

10. Construction and management of sta-

bles.

1 1 . Structure of the foot and of horn.

12. Botts and worms, generation of.

13. Functions of the coronary ring.

10. MAIN POINTS OF MANAGEMENT IN

TRAVELLING.

Besides this primary attention to the feet
and shoeing, without which no horse can
proceed on a journey, there remain several
other rules necessary to be observed, if the
traveller would prosecute his undertaking to
its end, properly.

A knock-up is most to be forefended of all
other evils, if he have much way before
him to explore ; and, if in an untoward and
unfrequented road, the disagreeables and
dangers multiply on the traveller's mind, as
the animal may seem to falter, to decline in
his paces, or to hang heavy on the hand. For,
however stout and healthy his horse ap-

HOW BROUGHT ABOUT. 71

pears on the commencement of a journey,
if he be pushed at first setting out, or over-
marked in his stages, or deprived of his
customary beats, he looks for them in vain,
gets jaded, and every additional mile adds
to his uneasiness ; not so much according
to the number of the miles, perhaps, as to
the state of the roads, of the weather, (or
unseasonably hot, or wet, or tempestuous,)
of the moulting coming on, and of the
manner in which the first miles of the stage
may have been conducted, moderately or
otherwise. On this latter particle of ma-
nagement alone depends the due perform-
ance of any single stage, which some will
go through with half the fatigue to horse
and rider that another can achieve it, on this
account alone ; a repetition of such injudi-
cious treatment, at the commencement of
subsequent stages, is the sure precursor of
the much deprecated knock-up and its evil
consequences.

At setting out in the morning, your well-
kept horse is necessarily full of meat ; where-
fore, until his great gut be well emptied,
brisk action occasions uneasiness, that soon
increases to pain ; pain begets restlessness,

72 PACE AND LENGTH : SET OUT.

and should the horse spring about ever so
little, the rider that would fall into the first
error is very likely to commit a second, by
correcting his horse when he ought to amend
his own fault. Although expedition be in-
dispensable, put not the horse on his best
paces at first, but considerably within it,
and that for a short breathing only ; loosen
the reins, give no more pulls, play with
his mouth, and if he do not evacuate, re-
peat the short breathing once more ; unless,
indeed, he. sweats inordinately with the
first, which is a sign of weakness, or that
his dung is hard within him, and he re-
quires purging. Though the urine also be
a little turbid, the physic will amend both
symptoms of gross feeding ; but do not ride
your horse a stage while ' in physic,' nor on
the day of its f coming off.'

Length of stage and pace must be adapt-
ed to the heat of the weather in summer,
as well as to depth of the roads in winter ;
both seasons having the effect of knocking
up the horse when it has been over-marked,
though by quite different means. In either
case, however, a cordial promptly adminis-
tered recovers the horse admirably for the

STAMINA, TO KEEP UP. 73

further prosecution of his journey ; if the
remedy has not been postponed too long,
and then we can only hope to get the jaded
animal to stables to recover at leisure.

Cordials, whether balls or drenches, are
so much in practice with stable people, that
it were a waste of words to set down a
prescription by which to compound either;
but we may observe, that the readiest pro-
vided, and which should always be kept at
hand by the provident traveller, is in the
form of ball, and composed of aniseeds,
ginger, caraway, of each, powdered, half
an ounce ; mix up with treacle and meal
to the proper consistency. But good sound
ale or porter, from one pint to a quart, made
warm, is equally good in itself, operates
sooner, and is nearly as readily obtained,
upon any emergency, as the ball.

Keeping company of some other horseman
notoriously facilitates the stage by the emu-
lation thus incited ; a dull plaguy animal,
however well formed, that one can scarcely
get seven miles an hour from, with great
labour, doing nine or ten without fatigue
when in company. Scarcely any breed of
horses, from the highest to the lowest, is

D

74 SNOW, BALLING, PRECAUTIONS.

free from this reproach in some degree or
other ; but the half-breds of the road most-
ly lie open to it, and are easily recognised
by a heavy look about the head and eyes.

A picker is indispensable in road-riding,
either in winter or summer ; 1° to relieve the
sole when snow accumulates there, and ball-
ing with considerable hardness, occasions the
horse to slide and slip about, or produces
lameness. This must be ( picked out' as
often as it becomes troublesome, not to say
dangerous. When, however, the traveller
is already cognizant of snow being on the
ground, he may avoid the trouble of dis-
mounting for this purpose, by previously
ordering his horse's soles to be payed over
with tar or tallow grease which has no salt
in it. 2° The picker will be required at
every season when the roads have received
fresh dressings, when a loose stone is very
liable to lodge in the hollow of the foot, and
is driven backwards between the frog and
the shoe, in a perilous manner, at every
step the horse takes : the instrument is well-
known, and may be obtained conveniently
attached to a pocket-knife, which they term
' the sportsman's knife.'

OF COMING IN : STABLES. 75

Feeding time. — Much of the discomfort of
a journey is engendered at coming in from a
stage. If your horse arrives tolerably fresh,
it is evident he will require less care from
the hostlers' crew, who will vie with each
other which shall take him in hand first,
as causing the least labour ; but should the
rider himself have abused his horse, as if
ignorant or careless of his welfare, how
can he expect that ordinary men, who strug-
gle for their daily bread, should evince a
species of philanthropy for him which he
so recklessly denies his horse ? ' Love me,
love my dog !' is a homely saying', and a
good one, that is wholly thrown away upon
such a horseman, if horse-m&n we must call
him, who thus unworthily neglects his al-
ready jaded animal.

As, upon setting out, we should not go off
at score, or at top-pace, so upon coming in,
at night, let us suppose, should we avoid
dashing into our quarters with the perspi-
ration streaming from each pore, in the
mild season, nor covered over with dirt, by
reason of a slapping pace, in wet weather.
Even in winter, although the strong horse
continues fresh for a great length of road,

d 2

76 MAL-PRACTICES OF STABLE-MEN,

yet does tlie hardness of the work, com-
bined with the rareness of the air he
breathes, at last f find him out,' and he flags
apace. Upon coming into more sheltered
places, as the close-built street and closer
stable yard, out flies the perspiration, if he
be in condition ; whereupon, the practices
he is subjected to, are commonly of such a
nature as to cause disease, in embryo, if it
do not appear in one way or another imme-
diately. Who's to blame ?

He who will stand quietly by, or shame-
fully hides his head in the parlour, while
his faithful creature is being led about to
cool at such a season, or the dirt washed off
by plunging him in a horse-trough or pond,
or his legs are brushed in cold water in the
open yard, has little to complain about,
when, soon after he has cough or colic, or bad
eyes, or swelled legs appear, to reproach
his neglect, or inflammation of some vital
part deprives the poor suffering animal of
life, after the doctors of ' the guinea-trade '
have picked the owner's pocket to a deser-
vedly good tune.

On coming in, after being coaxed to stale,
let the horse undergo the ceremony of

REMEDIED ; AND OF JADED HORSES. 77

wisping all over with straw, beginning at
the head, and then the neck and fore-
quarters. In winter-time, this must take
place in-door s; and at any rate, let him now
come near a lock of sweet hay in his rack, or
in a prickle, or from the hand : see whether
he eats or not, whether he enjoys the wisp-
ing, and if he mostly evince a desire to lie
down or to crave for food.

The girths have been loosened, let us pre-
sume, but the saddle still remains on his
back ; turn his head to the rack, and pro-
ceed to wisp his hind quarters, legs and
belly, sheath and fork. After this, remove
the saddle by sliding it back over the croup ;
and let the dressing be extended to the
withers, back, and so completely all over
the carcase until 'tis dry. Such, indeed, is
the usual course of proceeding; but is it pur-
sued in every case ? or, speaking properly,
are those points of stable management at-
tended to most assiduously when they are
most required ? In fact, then it is they are
mostly scampt over ; then, when they be-
come indispensably necessary to the due pro-
secution of the next stage, and of following

78 DRESSING AND FEEDING ; FEET.

this up with the subsequent ones comforta-
bly and safely.

$3- Did your horse refuse the first proffer
of hay? Then conclude he has been push-
ed too much, as to time or length. Does he
still refuse his food, though the dressing be
finished ? Be assured his stomach is dis-
ordered, and he must be cordialled. In
whiter a warm mash of malt is most eligible ;
but, if not at hand, give a bran-mash with
an admixture of oatmeal and a quart of good
ale. But in summer, a cordial ball will
restore the tone of his stomach without in-
creasing the heat of his body so much as a
mash would. If the individual horse is not
aged, nor inured to cordialling, a small pail
of stout water gruel, almost cold, excels all
other cordials whatever, and supersedes the
necessity of watering : he will take his sup-
per an hour or so afterwards, with a relish.

The traveller, who has commerce in view,
must look to every particular himself, or his
horse will suffer through neglect when he
most requires its services, viz. when trade
is brisk, and great numbers of solicitors of
orders are abroad, and the hostlers have

PHYSICKING, REQUISITE, SIGNS OF. 79

many horses in the stables. In the next
place, let him see that the horse gets his
allowance of corn, that it be good, and
that it contain no indications of having been
in a manger before ; for you must then wait
by him until all the food is devoured. Do
not deny your horse water often ; though
not too much at one time, nor too cold, nor
immediately after a meal. Look to his feet
and shoes, ascertain if aught requires re-
pair, that it may be furnished as soon as he
has recovered from his fatigue. Examine
the limbs all over for cracks, pricked foot,
&c. and the body for saddle-galls and the
like kind of warbles.

Health must always be preserved ; but,
if not, restored with as much expedition as
is consistent with the traveller's views of
getting forward. Regard must be had to
the horse's dunging, now as ever. He is in
full condition, let us allow, having been
well and regularly fed, and as regularly
worked ; but he will, nevertheless, be found
contracting a tendency to constipation ; the
lowest evil whereof is defective pace, or
short step, arising from more laboured action
as the dung may be permitted to harden

80 RESTING DAY, HOW EMPLOYED.

within him. As this inconvenience may be
suffered to last, he sweats immoderately at
the least extra exertion, his eyes lose their
wonted brightness, the mouth becomes hot,
and his manner is languid, If you be not
clever at feeling the pulse, yet may you
observe that his blood flows heavily, full,
without that swelling vibration of the artery
which is so pleasant to the touch in health.
A little obstinacy, that may be increased to
restiveness if you two contrive to fall out,
the staggers or megrims follow each other ;
all which evils may be prevented by timeous
physicking, as soon as the dung is seen to
fall upon the ground without the pellets
breaking. Or, a little green food, or a day's
mashing him, with bran, thin oatmeal-gruel,
and the like, will soften the dung consider-
ably ; only remembering that , these things
must be undertaken on blank days, when
you are certain the patient will not be ridden
a stage.

Sundays always present the best opportu-
nities for the employment of any such re-
medies, which necessarily subtract from the
animal's strength, as being the day travel-
lers righteously consider a festival Dry

PRECAUTIONS. 81

food is alone proper to travel upon, and oats
is the best of all this description, much hay
being apt to engender flatulencies. When,
however, a very long stage is to be taken
out of the horse, or it be cold, dreary, wet,
or windy, a handful of ci^ushed beans, sus-
tains him admirably, staying by him and
imparting fresh vigour for a long time.

Driving the single-horse-chaise was no-
ticed higher up (page 45) ; to which we may
here, not un-aptly add, that most of the fore-
going rules that seem adapted entirely to
saddle horses, are equally applicable to dri-
ving the gig, cabriolet, or stanhope. Indeed,
every rule, hint, and maxim herein con-
tained, may be found available in this kind
of service, with the single exception of the
legs, and of course the aids derived from them.
If aught peculiar to " the drag" itself re-
mains to be said, we would remind the driver
to take good measure of the narrow passes
he will frequently have to thread his way
through ; and on a journey let him take heed
of his tyre and haims, (as the Northerns
term them), as he would of his horse, and
see that the axle be v\ ell greased at short
intervals.

82 LIVING MASTERS, WHEN DESIRABLE.

Conclusion. — These Rules and Obser-
vations— or, call them " short hints and
maxims" may serve to convey some idea,
though not the most perfect one, perhaps,
of that sleight which contributes to render
horses obedient, when the employment of
mere force would be found unavailing.
These pages may further teach, that some-
thing more than what the horse learns
from the Breaker is necessary to be taught
him, ere we ought to expect he will
perform the services required tractably or
effectively. If the few rules here laid down
for riding gracefully and safely, seem in-
sufficient to the end proposed, at least let
us hope they will convince the young horse-
man, and the hitherto-careless one, that
some rules for his guidance are necessary,
and usefully available by every one. Pro-
bably, what has been set forth may raise,
in the greater number of readers, a more
ardent desire to acquire full perfection in the
art of horsemanship ; they will then apply
themselves to the proper living masters, from
whom they may receive a finish to their
studies in this department of the art ; or, if
they be curious to investigate all that has

OLD WRITERS DILATE, AND BORROW. 83

been written thereon, in its several ramifi-
cations, they will find much that is curious
in the writings of a former century, by the
lords Newcastle and Pembroke ; as well as
in those of more modern date than the ori-
ginal writer of these rules, (C. Thompson,
Esq.) namely, Astley, Adams, Hughes, Al-
len.* But the whole of them lie under one
common British objection — that of teaching
the high-show mode, rather than the bond
fide English gentlemanly style of managing
the horse, that is adapted to all the useful
purposes of Life, in London particularly,
and of enjoyment in the country parts, ge-
nerally— the utile et duke, combined.

* Among the modern Authors on the Horse just now-
impugned of borrowing , is he who published a Treatise
on " the Philosophy of Horses," and the matter is thus
introduced by Mr. Boardman in his Dictionary — " Mr.
John Lawrence, who writes at once sensibly and ludi-
crously on the subject, gives the following account of this
very useful and necessary art." Whereas, Mr. John
did not write the succeeding sensible pages at ail, but
copied them from Charles Thompson's book, without ac~
knowledqement.

INDEX

Aids (the) what? 10-14; when too frequent, 15, 34; how ap-
plied properly, 47 ; in driving, 81. See Legs.
Airs, principles of the, 10-14 ; disturb the seat, 22 ; not indis-
pensable, 28.
Arms and elbows, down, 36 ; not stiff, 37.
Arms himself, phrase explained, 35 ; occasioned by the dead

pull, 35 ; how prevented, 39.
Authors on the art of riding, 5 ; too flighty, 9 ; enumerated, 8 ;

he of this book purloined from, 83 ; a joker detected, ib.
Awkwardness discernible afar off, 37 ; dancing-masters no

horsemen, 3 ; spoils the horse, 10,. 36.
Balancing, or equipoise, preserved, 24.
Barrs, how deadened, 35, 39 ; pinched by snaffle, 44.
Bitt, to be slackened, 35, 39-41, 53 ; of champing it, 43 ; kinds
of, 43, 46; adaptation of the, 47 ; heavy on the, amended, 48 ;
bearing on, through work, 63. ^

Breaking in, often ill-done, 1, 49, 50, 82; in the manage, 8, 54.
Bridle, play of the, 40, 41, 45 ; holding on by, 38, 49 ; hang-
. ing on the, 63. See Pulls, Reins.
Carriage, what is the proper, 48 ; carry low, 42, 50 ; carry high,

48 ; in dancing, 2 ; not less essential on a journey, 63.
Chastisement, too frequent, 35, 56.
Colds, how inllicted, 76.
College, the Veterinary, borrow their inventions, 68 ; get paid

for them, tunefully, 69.
Colts bear on the bitt, 7 ; taught pliancy, 46.
Cordials, when necessary, 73, 78.
Curb, care necessary, 43 ; management of, 44 ; danger from, 62 ;

in driving, 45.
Curvetting irregularly, amended, 14.
Dealers' arts — pulling, spurring, 42.
Diseases, how engendered, 76 ; restoration from, 79.
Dismounting, how performed, 20.
Driving a single-horse chaise, 45 ; acquired by practice, 3 ;

riding tactics applied to, 81.
Dung, necessity of watching its state, 79.
Education, mistakes in, 53, 59 ; obedience taught, 56.

INDEX.

85

Elasticity of the body, 29, 3G, 39 ; of the arm, 45.

English riding, how taught, 6, 8, 42 ; its eminence, 28, 83.

Evacuation, should be promoted, 72, 80.

Eyes and sight, useful hints concerning, 60, 73, 80 ; those of man

intimidate the horse, 62.
Feeding time, precaution, 75 ; off his food, amended, 78.
Foot (the) requires primary attention, 64; treatment of, 65-69 ;

ill-formed, amended, 66.
Force (mere) unavailing, 82.
Forehand, how affected, 51.

French riding-schools, 5 ; suits the character, 6, 8, 20, 28.
Fretfulness, how superinduced, 14, 16, 19, 80.
Frog, paring away injurious, 65 ; frog-pressure, 66.
Great horse (the) what so denominated, 7.
Groom (the) employed at mounting, 16 ; not required, 21 ;
teaches the horse unsteadiness, 17; are clumsy riders, 25,
49 ; coax the horse, 60.
Head, carriage of, 48-53 ; setting on of, 50 ; thick head, an

inconvenience, 52 ; how raised in travelling, 63.
Head-strong horse, how rode, 40, 43 ; colts mistaught, 46.
Health must be preserved, and how, 79-81.
Heels, management of, 65-67, 79; opening the, mischievous,

66 ; cold washing them dangerous, 76.
Horsemanship, much misapprehended, 4, 10 ; high airs not
genteel, 8, 28 ; first principles of, 10-15 ; living teachers of,
when desirable, iv. 82.
Horsemen, few expert ones, 1, 58; opinionated, 2; unclever

ones, 15, 36, 59, 75 ; lessons for, 47, 61.
Horses unjustly stigmatized, 1 ; taught tricks, 8, 15, 17, 28, 53 ;
instructed, 16, 56 ; know skilful riders, 59 ; easily alarmed,
60 ; memory good, 58, 63 ; go freely in company, 73.
Hunting, hard, no reform for restiveness, 4 ; seat, taught, 5, 8 :

the seat acquired, 25 ; leaping, 29 ; hunting saddle, 31.
Journey (a), precautions on taking horse, 17 ; safety from a
quiet hand, 35 ; rules at setting out, 63, 71 ; at coming in,
75-77.
Knees not to be bent, 20, 30 ; widened, 31 ; pressure of the, 34.
Knife (sportsman's) utility of, 67, 74.
Knock-up (a), disagreeable, 70 ; how prevented, 72, 76.
Lawrence, John, a sensible and ludicrous copyist, 83, note.
Leading a horse troublesome, 62 ; manner of, ib.
Leap, the flying, how performed, 29 ; and the standing, ib.
Legs, reckoned among the aids, 14 ; mostly engaged in main-
taining the seat, 13, 30; dangling down, causes uneasiness,
37 ; dangerous, 15 ; in leaping, 29 ; pressure, effects of, 34,
37, 55, 59, 61 ; not applicable to gig-driving, 81.
Legs (the), keep the horse watchful, 11-14 ; kick of, in mount-
ing, 17 ; right posture of, 23.
Longe (the), practised in circles, 33.

86 INDEX.

Manage-riding, how derived, 5 ; not suitable to the English
character, 7, 28 ; first principles of, necessary, 8 ; what are
so, 10-15, 33,54; yerking out, taught, 54; obedience incul-
cated, 56 ; writers on, list of, 83.

Military riding-schools, 6 ; mounting, 20, 21.

Mounting performed loosely, 1 6 ; should be learnt properly, 17 ;
points to be observed, 18, 19 ; on off-side desirable, 21.

Neck, the arched, 48; carriage of the, 49-53; bones of the,
51 ; a stiff one, how managed, 51; stroking it, a very silly
tactic, 59.

Osmer (William) quoted, as to Neapolitan horse, 5 ; as being
an estimable writer, 64 ; robbed by the College people, 68.

Quarrelling with one's horse, to be avoided, 56, 62 ; bad effects
of, 58, 80.

Pace, brings on lameness, 64 ; and a knock-up, 70 ; how re-
gulated, 72.

Passage (the), instructions for, 11, 12, 13.

Pastern-bone (short), short shoe, 67.

Picker (a) necessary, 74 ; in a knife, ib.

Progression onwards, 34.

Pulls (the) in turf-riding, 25 ; in road-riding, 35 ; how per-
formed, 38-42 ; the dead one, ineffective, 35, 40.

Racing-saddle, 24 ; manner of riding, 42.

Reins (the) not to be relied upon in the balance, 33, 38 ; too
loose on mounting, 18 ; abuse of the, 35 ; importance and
management of, 38-47, 52 ; rein up, 48.

Restiveness, how brought on, 15, 35,71,80; how prevented,
16, 39, 46, 53, 72.

Riding, art of, 2, 72, 81 ; schools, various, 5 ; pre-eminent, 28;
practice, 33 ; the manage, teach tricks, 7 ; turf-riding, 42 ;
for sale, 43. See Journey, Mounting, Pulls, fyc.

Road-riding taught, 5, 8, 35 ; roads affect the pace, 71, 73.

Rules, how acquired, 2 ; applied to good horses only, 47 ;
necessary to be learnt, 9, 82 ; on taking horse, 16 ; for manag-
ing the loose-necked horse, 40 ; shying ditto, 55, 61 ; on a
journey, 63-70 ; for road-riding, 58, 75.

Saddle, shape of, 26 ; the hunting, 31 ; galling of the, 41 ;
pressure, 26 ; unsaddling after a stage, 77.

Seat (the) governs all our movements, 22 ; definition of, ib. ;
described, with a plate, 22 ; the true seat found, 24, 27, 31 ;
depends on the saddle, 26 ; bad ones described, 25, 30 ; in
leaping, 29 ; sit square, 38 ; grooms' notions of, 49.

Shoeing fractious horses, easy, 60 ; spoils the foot, 64 ; done
clumsily, 66, 68 ; directions concerning, 63-68 ; further in-
structions to be had, 69.

Shying, how caused, 53 ; remedy for, 55-63.

Skill in horsemanship, evinced, 36 ; not always acquired, 2.

Snaffle most proper in ordinary riding, 44.

Snowy weather, precautions against, 74, 76.

INDEX. 87

Spurs, their use and abuse, 10, 34, 35, 37 ; of dealers, 42.

Stable-management, 75-78, 80.

Starting from affright, 14 ; avoided, 28, 34, 53-61. See Stum-
bling, Shying.

Stirrups, how given, 16; how taken, 18 ; learning without, 24 ;
length of leather, 31 ; not indispensable, 33.

Study necessary, 2 ; of books on riding, 10, 82.

Stumbling and starting, prevented, 12-14,38; through carry-
ing low, 48.

Taste for horses, wholly English, 1, 28; not always good in
riding, 2.

Taking horse, rules for, 16-21.

Temper requisite in managing horses, 1, 20, 55 ; of horses
spoiled, 15, 35, 53 ; how subdued, kindly, 60, 63.

Travelling precautions, 63, 70-82 ; the commercial, 78. See
Foot, Journey, Knock-up.

Tricks of manage-horses, 8, 28, 54, 56 ; of riding-horses, 18,
50, 59 ; counteracted, 29, 39.

Voice (the) employed improperly, 53 ; properly, 59, 62.

Waggon, loaded, causes affright, 58 ; how passed, 61.

Walkers (good), bad horsemen, 3.

Weather, its vicissitudes guarded against, 74, 76.

Withers secured from pressure, 27.

THE END.

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