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HORSEMANSHIP.
London :
Spottiswoodes and Shaw,
New-Street-Square.
M.^.
Af^il^/<J:>u
'Mf^-
HORSEMANSHIP ;
OE,
THE ART
RIDING AND MANAGING A HORSE,
ADAPTED FOB
THE GUIDANCE OF LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,
ON THE EOAD AND IN THE FIELD:
INSTRUCTIONS FOR BREAKING IN COLTS AND YOUNG HORSES.
BY CAPTAIN RICHARDSON,
LAIB OF THB FOUETH UQHT BBAOOONS.
LONDON: LONGMAN, BROWN, GREEN, AND LONGMANS.
1853.
Xif
IBttiuatiom
TO
THE RIGHT HONOURABLE
THE EARL OF SEFTON,
My Lord,
I FEEL it a great honour that I have been permitted to dedicate this book to your Lordship, considering, as I do, that your admirable method of treatment of your own stud has fully proved you to be a real friend and benefactor of the horse. The natural kind- ness of your Lordship's disposition, your great love of the horse, the large amount of your experience, and the talent, energy, and fore- thought you have manifested in the manage-
VI DEDICATION.
ment of this noble creature, justly entitle you to this estimable distinction ; and I trust your Lordship will find reason to approve the humble effort I have made to elucidate the science of horsemanship, and to reduce it to specific rules.
I have endeavoured to combine the experi- ence acquired during my professional career at home and abroad, with the practical ob- servations I have been led to make upon the treatment of the horse ; and hope thereby to confer a benefit, both on the noble animal himself, and on my fellow creatures, and also to merit the distinguished honour of your Lordship's approbation.
I have the honour to be. My Lord, Your Lordship's
Most obedient humble Servant, MERVYN RICHARDSON.
PEE FACE.
Napoleon was said to have been an enthusiastic ad- mu'er of the beauty and excellence of the English horse, but to have entertained a contemptible opinion of the horsemanship of the British dragoon. It was reported as his boast, " that did he possess our horses, he could readily beat our men ; " because the English dragoons were such indifferent riders, that in a charge of cavalry they had no proper control over their horses ; con- sequently, they would fall an easy prey before the well- appointed, well-trained, and scientific French troops.
The horsemanship of the British cavalry of the pre- sent day is presumed to be perfect, but whether it be so or not, it will be much to be deplored, in every sense, if ever the sentiments entertained by Napoleon the First, should have just cause and opportunity to be weighed in the mind of Napoleon the Third.
We stand indebted to the German for our present
Vlll PREFACE.
improved method of riding. It is possible that the German has gained his knowledge of the science from the French ; but before we learned it from the former, we were almost ignorant of the true principles of perfect horsemanship. Hard riding, bold riding, and rough riding, were the common systems of equitation that prevailed ; but the real science was scarcely known in England.
The chief reason why the old system still so generally prevails is, the great cost of time and money attendant upon a continued series of lessons at the schools ; and the cause of our having so many badly trained and ill- conditioned horses, is the lack of knowledge of the science of horsemanship and horsebreaking among the generality of horsebreakers themselves. There is scarcely a groom in the land who does not consider himself a most excellent horseman, and competent to be a perfect horsebreaker. If he has served an apprentice- ship in connection with a racing stud, his education is deemed complete ; the diploma cannot be controverted, and he becomes the oracle of the surrounding country.
It is very probable, that if licences to break in horses and teach riding were granted, as a bonus, to steady dragoons upon their discharge from the army, they would
PREFACE. IX
be induced to continue their sphere of usefuhiess ; and the beneficial effects would soon be experienced through- out the kingdom. The man of steady habits and scientific knowledge would always command the pre- ference over the charlatan; and we should soon cease to lament the want of skill to control and manage with efficiency one of the noblest animals in the world.
LIST OF PLATES.
The Biqht Hon. the Eakl of Sefton . . . Frontispiece.
(By permission, from the engraving in possession of Messrs. Agnew and Sons.)
The Gentleman's Seat ..... To face page 1
The Seat with the Bit and Beidoon Bridle . . .37
At the Cover side . . . . . . .53
The Position of the Ladt with the Double-bein Bridle . 83
CONTENTS.
Page
Introductory Address . . . . 1
LESSON I. On TiiE Management of the Snajfle-bridle with the Reins in one Hand, and having the Use of the Stirrups ....... 5
LESSON n. On the Management of the Snaffle-bridle, havino the Rein in each Hand, and without the Use of the Stirrups •••.... 25
LESSON HL On the Management of the Double-rein Bridle, or the
Bit and Snaffle, having the Use op the Stirrups . 35
LESSON IV. On Leaping with the Double- rein Bridle, and having
THE Use op the Stirrups . . . .45
xii CONTENTS.
Page
LESSON V.
On FOX-HONTING . ■ . . • .51
LESSON VL
Treatjient of the Horse after hunting . . .67
LESSON VII. Instructions on Riding for Ladies . . . .81
LESSON VIII.
Instructions for bre^vking in the Colt or young Horse 97
LESSON IX. On Horse-dealing . . . . . .109
yM
/^^^«
HORSEMANSHIP.
INTRODUCTORY ADDRESS.
Englishmen are frequently puzzled as to the style of seat they should assume on horseback. If they take upon themselves the manege style, they are alarmed at being accused of copying the military seat ; and if they shoi'ten the stirrup-leathers, and double themselves in a heap, they are as often charged with riding like tailors or butchers. Generally speaking a person can be as readily distinguished by the contour of his seat as by the cut of his coat. We mark the tailor, the butcher, the dealer, and the i>;entleman, with readiness and accu-
2 HOESEMANSHIP.
racj. The great difficulty is to ride like tlie true sportsman, and avoid every extraneous characteristic. The perfect horseman can appropriate to himself every style of seat with equal grace, ease, and truth ; there- fore when he takes the field he will be equally cm fait in the rushes of the chase, as in the finished canter of the park, or in the formal scenes of the parade. It follows as a consequence that a person must learn all the minutife of riding before he can attain to this state of perfection. He cannot possess it by intuition, neither can he become thoroughly skilled by being per- fect in one branch alone. If he be finished in the manege, he requires to be well-seasoned in the field ; and if he be at the top of the hunt, he still stands in need of the lessons of the school to arrive at the ne plus ultra of horsemanship.
As a nation, we totally fail in one essential particular, and that is, to regard the lioi'se as our most intimate friend. On the contrary, our habit is to treat him as our most willing slave. If we sought his company with true Arab zest — if we caressed and fondled him with the affection he deserves, — he would be spared many inflictions, and we should escape thousands of accidents and multitudes of mishaps.
INTELLECT OF THE HORSE. 3
We accuse the horse of not possessing hitelligence. We forget to bring home to ourselves the want of necessary care and attention on our own parts. He will repay to his utmost the many kindnesses we may lavish upon him ; he will follow us as the dog ; he will know the sound of our voice, and the echo of the fall of our foot ; he will keep guard over our person, and the weight of his hoof shall not bruise the tenderest or the fairest skin. Take him by the most lonely road, across the wildest country in the darkest night ; and when years have elapsed he will thread the same maze with fidelity and precision. He will turn at every turn, and stay at every roof that sheltered him in days long gone by.
The fact is, we are greatly wanting in our endea- vours to cultivate his intellectual powers. We are profuse in our attempts to overcome the inequalities of his disposition by physical means ; but in brute force he is our superior ; and when this secret once becomes palpable to his senses, it is a most difficult and arduous undertaking to disabuse him of the knowledge, and to cure him of the propensity for vice and wickedness.
The object, therefore, of the author, in the following pages, is to teach the noble art of horsemanship, with
4 HORSEMANSHIP.
reference to the ease and perfection of the rider, and to the comfort and welfare of the animal. In so doing he confidently hopes to accomplish a useful end^ in pre- senting his little book to the public.
M. R.
Rock Ferkt, June 1853.
LESSON I.
()N THE MANAGEilENT OF THE SXAFFLE BRIDLE, WITH THE REINS IN ONE HAND, AND HAVING THE USE OF THE STIRRUPS.
LESSON I.
ON THE MAKAGEMENT OF THE SNAFFLE BRIDLE, WITH THE REINS IN ONE HAND, AND HAVING THE USE OF THE STIRRUPS.
The snaffle should be placed in the mouth of the horse so as not to wrinkle the corners ; and the saddle should be fixed one hand's breadth backwards from the edge of tlie bladebone.
DIRECTIONS FOR MOUNTING.
Stand opposite to the near fore-foot of the horse ; place the left hand on the neck near to the withers, having the back of the hand to the horse's head, and the reins lying in front of the hand. Take up the reins with the right hand, put the little finger of the left hand between them, and draw them through until you feel the mouth of the horse : turn the remainder of the reins along the inside of the left hand, let it fall over the fore-finger on the off side, and place the thumb upon the reins.
8 HORSEMANSHIP.
Twist a lock of the mane round the thumb or fore-finger, and close the hand firmly upon the reins. Take the stirrup in the right hand, and place the left toe in it as far as the ball ; let the knee press against the flap of the saddle, to prevent the point of the toe from irritating the side of the horse ; seize the cantle of the saddle with the right hand, and, springing up from the right toe, throw the right leg clear over the horse, coming gently into the saddle by staying the weight of the body with the right hand resting on the right side of the pommel of the saddle : put the light toe in the stirrup. The proper length of the stirrup-leathers is" determined by the sole of the stirrup-iron touching the lower edge of the ankle-bone when the foot hangs loose.
Place the bridle-hand in its proper position, which is immediately in front of the body, and three or four inches from it. The hand should be perpen- dicular to the pommel, so that the knuckles may be opposite to the horse's ears; it should be on a level with the elbow, and slightly rounded outwards at the wrist. As soon as the hand is in the right position, the reins must be sufficiently tightened to have a full bearing upon the horse's mouth. By the reins being drawn through the hand, and having a half-
POSITION WHEN MOUNTED. V
round turn over the fore-finger, with the thumb firmly pressed upon them, and the hand well closed, you have the strongest possible grasp that can be made consist- ently with good riding.
The arm from the shoulder to the elbow should hang close to the body ; the elbow must never be thrown outwards from that position, for all feeling upon the mouth of the horse proceeds from the movements of the hand and wrist alone. The arm hanging with ease from the shoulder scarcely touches the body, much less is it firmly pressed to the side.
In cavalry lessons, the elbow is ordered to touch the hip joint ; but this cannot be accomplished without the rider having every appearance of stiffness and constraint.
The hand, when seen by the eye of the rider, should present to view its upper edge, with the thumb and fore-finger only.
The position of the body should be perfectly upright and straight to the front, having the waist drawn inwards, but without any appearance of stiffness. The lower limbs should hang nearly straight down, with the knees slightly bent, having the feet immediately under- neath the knees, so that to the view of the rider, the
10 HORSEMANSHIP.
knees will appear to be almost in a line with the face and the feet, the fore part of the feet only being visible. The waist must be drawn inwards to brace up the muscles of the back ; the feet are parallel to the sides of the horse ; the toes raised, and the heels well de- pressed, therefore the muscles of the leg will also be braced and firm : thus the entire inner surface of the legs and knees are brought into contact with the body of the horse, and ready upon any emergency to clasp or urge the horse.
The horse must not be allowed to move until his rider is perfectly prepared for action ; and he must be taught to be steady to mount and dismount, so that the rider may be independent of the aid of groom, when placed in positions where it would be impossible to command it. This very necessary lesson will add much to the docility and safety of the horse.
In mounting on the oif side, the reins and mane are held by the right hand, and the right foot is placed in the stirrup. It is very excellent practice for all horses, but more especially for those Avhich are restless, when they are mounted on the near side. " Horses should be mounted and dismounted, led and fed, as often on the off as on the near side."
THE AIDS. 11
DIRECTIONS TO WALK.
The rider must urge his horse to walk, by the pressure of both his legs, and feeling the horse's mouth equally with both reins, at one and the same time.* Tliis simultaneous application of hand and leg is the essential groundwork of good horsemanship. It is begun and continued throughout every pace of the horse ; and without it there never will be good riding on the part of the rider, nor collected action on the part of the horse.
In walking straight forward, the bearing upon the horse's mouth is made by turning up the little finger inwardly and gently towards the breast, from the action of the wrist alone, the hand remaining well closed upon the reins. As the rider attains perfection, this movement of the hand will almost become imper- ceptible to the spectator ; but a considerable time, and much practice, will be necessary to acquire a perfectly elastic feeling of the hand upon the mouth of the horse. An excellent illustration of the feeling that
* In cavalry lessons the reins are slackened. See inj'ra, upon the objection to the movement in the breaking in of the colt.
12 HORSEMANSHIP.
ought to exist is shown by the elastic india-rubber band. Procure an india-rubber band of the width and length of the reins ; fasten both ends to a couch or chair, about four or five inches apart, and hold them as the bridle reins : the elasticity of the band is very similar to the sensibility that subsists between the fine hand of the good horseman, and the mouth of the well- trained horse.
The pressure of the legs must be an elastic feeling of the muscles — not a dull and heavy clinging or kicking of the limbs. In moving straight to the front, the pressure of the legs is equal ; also the bearing upon the mouth with both reins. To incline the horse to the right, increase the bearing upon the right rein, and the pressure with the left leg. The bearing upon the right rein is made by turning up the little finger towards the left shoulder; and the pressure by the left leg is increased in order to prevent the horse from throwing his hind quarters too much outwards or to the left.
In cavalry lessons the rider is ordered to make the bearing upon the right rein by turning up the little finger towards the right shoulder ; that is to say, by moving the hand towards the right. Procure a piece
COLONEL greenwood's EXPOSITION. 13
of tape tlio width and length of the reins, fasten both ends to a couch or chair a few inches apart, and hold them as the bridle reins. Make the sliglitest inclina- tion of the little finger up towards the right shoulder, and in an instant it will be seen that the right rein has become relaxed, thereby proving that tension exists from an object, and not toicards it.
Colonel Greenwood, late of the 2nd Life Guards, in his book of " Hints on Horsemanship," Second Edition, published in 1844, commences his first page thus : " When jou wish to turn to the right, pull the right rein stronger than the left ; this is common sense. The common error is precisely the reverse. The com- mon error is, when you wish to turn to the right, to pass the hand to the right. By this the right rein is slackened, and the left rein is tightened across the horse's neck ; and the horse is required to turn to the right, when the left rein is pulled. It is to correct this common error, this monstrous and perpetual source of bad riding and bad usage to good animals, that these pages are written." And in page 5. he says, " I never knew a cavalry soldier, rough-rider, riding- master, or any horseman whatever, who turned his horse, single-handed, on the proper rein." And again.
14 HORSEMANSHIP.
in pages 7 and 8., the Colonel writes, " The soldier who is compelled to turn to the right, by word of command, when the correct indication is unanswered, in despair throws his hand to the right. The conse- quence is, that no horse is a good soldier's horse till he has been trained to turn on the wrong rein."
*^ Without the same excuse for it, the same may be said of all ladies and all civilians who ride with one hand only, and of almost all who ride with two hands ; for, strange to say, in turning, both hands are generally passed to the right or left ; and I have known many of what may be called the most perfect straightforioard hands ; that is, men who, on the turf, would hold the most difficult three-year-old to the steady stroke of the two-mile course, and place him as a winner to half a length ; who, in the hunting-field, would ride the hot- test or the most phlegmatic made hunter with equal skill, through all difficulties of ground, and over every species of fence, with admirable precision and equality of hand ; or who, on the exercise-ground, would place his broken charger on his haunches, and make him walk four miles an hour, canter six and a half, trot eight and a half and gallop eleven, without being out in either pace a second of time ; but who have marred
TO TURN ABOUT. 15
all by tlie besetting sin of side-feeling — of turning the horse on the wrong rein. The consequence is, that they can ride nothing which has not been trained to answer wrong indications."
But the Colonel, instead of instructing us simply to reverse the bearing, developes a peculiar system of handling the reins by the tips of the fingers, — a system which has not become popular.
The rider must be ever cautious, when he makes any increased bearing or pressure with one hand or leg, that he does not cease to have a proper feeling upon the horse with the other hand and leg also ; otherwise the bridle will have an imperfect bearing upon the horse's mouth, and the want of due pressure with the legs will tend to render the horse uncollected in his action ; the snaffle also will get awry in the mouth.
When the horse is sufficiently inclined to the right, the pressures are then equalised in order to compel him to move straight forwards. To incline the horse to the left, increase the bearing upon the mouth with the left rein, and also the pressure with the right leg. The bearing upon the left rein is made by turning up the little finger towards the right shoulder. The pres- sure of the right leg is increased to prevent the horse
16 HORSEMANSHIP.
from throwing his hind quarters too much outwards, or to the right. When the horse is sufficiently inclined to the left, the bearing and pressure are then equalised to compel him to move straight to the front.
In cavalry lessons, the rider is ordered to make the bearing upon the left rein by turning up the little finger towards the left shoulder. Again, the experiment of the tape reins will prove the error of this movement ; but not so palpably as in the first instance ; because the action of the hand is much more distinct when turned from the wrist than when it is doubled inwards, or upon it. To turn the horse completely to the right, the bearing upon the right rein, and the pressure with the left leg, are increased in force ; and to turn to the left, similar bearings and pressures are required with the left rein and the right leg. To turn to the right- about, the horse is brought to a momentary halt ; and the extra bearing upon the right rein, and the extra pressure of the left leg, are continued until the horse is completely turned round. In bringing the horse to the momentary halt, the legs must press him well up to the bridle, otherwise he becomes uncollected, straggling in his movements, and does not turn himself round upon his own ground. As soon as the horse is
KEINING BACKAVAKD?;. 17
turned about, he is pressed forward with the hand and both legs equally. In turning to the left-about, the pressures are continued upon the left rein, and with the right leg, until the horse is turned round-about, when he is pressed forward as before.
When the rider sits at his ease, when he is sensible of eA^ery bearing of his hand upon the mouth, and of the pressure of his legs upon the sides of the horse, he may proceed to rein backwards. To rein straight backwards, the little finger must be turned up towards the breast, and both legs must press equally the sides of the horse, to compel him to collect himself, and prevent him from boring on the bridle, and dragging his fore-feet on the ground. In reining backwards with an inclination to the left, the extra bearing will be upon the right rein, with the extra pressure of the left leg, to keep the horse in the direction re- quired. In reining backwards with an inclination to the right, the extra bearing will be upon the left rein, with the extra pressure of the right leg. In reining backwards, the horse must not be allowed to halt in a straggling position ; but must be pressed up to the bridle, so that all his legs are properly placed, or im- mediately underneath his body.
18 HORSEMANSHIP.
If the horse has to move forward without coming to a halt after the reining backwards, then the pressure of both hand and legs must be increased simultaneously to urge him forward.
All young riders should commence these primary lessons without the aid of spurs ; and when intrusted with them should be particularly cautious in their use. It is always good practice to make the horse perfectly sensible of their presence ; but they ought only to be used in emergency — and even then for a momentary infliction. Trouser-straps should always be worn in riding.
THE TROT.
To urge the horse into a trot, press him firmly with both legs, together with a bearing upon both reins. Let these pressures be continued more or less durmg the whole of the trot, according to the velocity with which you desire the horse to move. These pressures tend to collect the horse in his pace, and prevent a straggling action. A horse moving in an uncollected manner strikes the hind feet against the fore, and has a strong tendency to stumble or fall. The pupil must not be allowed to rise in his stirrups during the trot.
POSITION IN TROTTING. 19
but must sit well down in his seat — the whole of the bodj springing from the elasticity of the ankle, together with the flexibility of the knees. The balls of the feet must bear lightly upon the stirrups, and the legs must not cling with tenacity to the sides of the horse. The rider must learn to find his balance, so that he may be perfectly independent of the extraneous support deri- vable from the stirrups and the bridle. Until this is attained, he will not exhibit grace and ease in riding. In rising in the stirrups in the trot, the action must be an easy motion — gently rising and falling with the pace of the horse by the elastic spring of the insteps and knees at the same time, taking care that the feet and legs are not thrown either backward or forward. The body must remain perfectly upright, as in the walk, with the small of the back well drawn in.
In inclining to the right and left, in turning to the right and left, and in turning to the right and left about, the bearings and pressures are precisely similar to those which are used in the walk, but in a more intense degree. In turning to the right and left about, the horse must be brought to the momentary halt be- fore the turn be commenced ; otherwise he will describe a large circle before he has completed the movement.
20 HORSEMANSHIP.
instead of turning about upon his own ground. The rider must be most particular upon this point, since he may be frequently placed in difficult positions, in which the collected action of the horse may save him from the greatest injury and peril.
When the rider has perfect command over the horse in the trot — when he can collect and extend him to any speed he desires — when he can incline him to the right and left, turn to the right and left, turn to the right and left about, and rein backwards at will, — then he may commence with the pace of the canter.
THE CANTER.
As the bearings and pressures were increased to compel the horse to trot, so must they be further in- creased to urge him to canter. He must not be al- lowed to canter with either fore-leg leading at his own will, but must be made to do so at the will of the rider. To canter with the right or off fore-leg leading, the extra bearing must be made upon the right rein ; and at the same time the pressure with the left leg must be increased.* If the horse refuses to strike
* This practice is adopted from the German, and is used in our cavalry system of equitation. It is frequently condemned by many of
TO CANTEK WITH THE NEAll LEG LEADING. 21
into tlie canter by the pressure of the leg only, then use the spur instantly, or strike the whip across the left shoulder. To canter with the left or near fore-leg leading, make the extra bearing upon the left rein, with the pressure of the right leg, or spur. As long as the horse remains in the canter, the rider must continue to use the same pressures in a modified degree. He must sit well down in his saddle, the body being perfectly upright, but without stiffness, and having the waist well drawn inwards without the appearance of con- straint. Let the hands and arms retain their proper position, without being lifted or circled in imitation of ignorant horsemanship.
In inclining to the right and left, in turning to the right and left, and in turning to the right and left about, the bearings and pressures nmst be precisely similar to those which are vised in the trot. In bringing the horse to the right and left about he must be brought to a momentary halt, turned about on his own ground, and pressed forward instantly into the canter — leading with tiie same leg as before, unless the rider wills it otherwise.
our best horsemen, who prefer making the extra bearing upon the left rein, when desiring to canter with the right leg, and upon the right rein, in order to make the horse lead with the near fore-leg.
22 HORSEMANSHIP.
When the horse canters in a curve to the right, or when he turns to the right, he must have the right or off fore- leg leading. When he canters in a curve to the left, or turns to the left, he must have the left or near fore-leg to lead vv^ith. In cantering in a curve, it is necessary to bend the horse's head inwards from the pole of the neck, so that the eye of the horse be visible to the rider. It is very excellent practice to accustom the horse to change the leading leg when in the canter ; but always to do so with the will and guidance of the rider. In the commencement of this lesson, the horse may be brought to a momentary check, and then urged for- ward with the alternate pressures ; but when both rider and horse are tolerably perfect in the movement, there need be no pause in the pace whatever.
Hoio to change the leading leg. — When the right or off fore-leg is the leading leg, the extra bearing upon the right rein, and the additional pressure of the left leg should immediately cease; and the horse is urged to canter with the near fore-leg leading, by the aid of the left rein and the right leg. Again, when the horse is cantering, with the left or near fore-leg leading, the extra bearing upon the left rein, with the extra pres- sure of the right leg, should cease, and those of
THE GALLOP. 23
the right rein and left leg be substituted. When the horse is perfectly collected in the slow canter, the pressures or aids are increased in intensity to extend his pace to the full canter.
The gallop is a further increase of pace upon the full canter, and therefore will generally require an increase of the pressures to excite the horse to extended action. In horses of liiijh courage this increase of aids is scarcely requisite, a slight relaxation of the reins being a sufficient indication to them of the wishes of their riders. The rider must have a perfect command over the horse, during the swiftest pace of the gallop. The horse must never be allowed to have his own will, and degenerate into the runaway. If the horse be inclined to this vice, and despises the hand of the rider, then all feeling upon the mouth must be sud- denly relaxed, and as suddenly regained, until the full stride of the horse be broken, and his will sub- dued. Sawing the mouth, that is to say, drawing the bit from side to side with great force and rapidity, is a very objectionable practice, more especially if a twisted snaffle be the one in use, and should only be resorted to upon extreme emergency, or as the last resource. These rough measures are so very easy and natural.
24 HORSEMANSHIP.
that we are tempted to forget their cruelty until we find the fine skin is destroyed, and the mouth filled with foam and blood. In the halt, the horse must be gradually brought to the full stop, pressing him well up to the bridle, to prevent him from halting in a straggling manner. The practice of bringing the horse suddenly to the full stop in the canter and gallop, is productive of much mischief; more especially to the young horse, in whom it causes strains, wind-galls, spavins, and curbs.
HOW TO DISMOUNT.
Take hold of the reins with the right hand, and slide the left hand down upon the neck ; let the right hand then drop the reins ; twist a lock of the mane round the thumb or fore-finger of the left hand, and close the hand ; take the right foot out of the stirrup ; place the right hand upon the right side of the pommel, and supporting the weight of the body upon the right hand and left foot, bring the right leg gently over the hind quarters, the right hand seizing the cantle of the saddle, as the body descends to the ground upon the ball of the right foot.
LESSON 11.
(IN THE 51ANAGEJIENT OF THE SNAFFLE BRIDLE, HAVING THE REIN IN EACH HAND, AND WITHUUT THE USE OF THE STIRRUPS.
27
LESSON II.
ON THE MANAGEMENT OF THE SNAFFLE BRIDLE, HAVING THE REIN IN EACH HAND, AND WITHOUT THE USE OF THE STIRRUPS.
This is the true method of learning to ride. By dividing the reins, the rider attains a more complete command over the horse ; and the different bearings upon the mouth can be given with perfect truthfulness and power. Therefore as the wishes of the rider are thus always conveyed with truth, discretion, and firm- ness, the horse becomes the more readily obedient, tractable, and collected.
HOW TO MOUNT WITHOUT STIRRUPS.
Place the stirrups across the neck of the horse; stand immediately opposite and close to the saddle ; take up the reins with the right hand, put the little finger of the left hand between them, and draw them suffi- ciently tight with the right hand to feel the horse's mouth : turn the remainder of the reins to the off'-side,
28 HORSEMANSHIP.
over the fore-finger, passing through the inside of the hand. Seize the pommel of the saddle with the left hand, and the cantle with the right hand ; spring well from the ground, and raise the body by the strength of the wrists and arms above the level of the saddle; throw the right leg clear over the hind quarters, and come gently into the saddle by placing the right hand upon the right side of the pommel, which will thus stay the weight of the body. Divide the reins, taking one in each hand. Place them between the third and fourth fingers ; the remainder of the reins lying along the inside of the hands and falling over the fore-fingers, with the thumbs firmly placed upon them. Shut the hands close upon the reins, with the thumbs pointing to each other, and about two or three inches apart. The wrists must be slightly rounded outwards, the hands kept perpen- dicular to the pommel on a level with the elbows, and the knuckles opposite to the horse's ears.
The position of the hands being on a level with the elbow, is varied with horses which are in the habit of carrying their heads too high, and also with those which carry their heads too low.
When the horse carries his head too high, or has
EVILS OF THE MARTINGALE. 29
tlic bad liabit of continually throwing up his head, the rider must hold his hands very low, and be perpetually on the watch to bear the horse's head down, by gentle but firm feeling; thus checking every irregularity of movement. There must be no jerking of the hands, or hastiness of temper displayed, but a continual, gentle, and very firm bearing upon the mouth. The higher the horse carries his head, so much the lower must the rider carry his hands, even to be below the point of the horse's shoulders. A martingale is a foreig-n, dead, and non-elastic medium, interfering with and neutralising the fine feeling that ought ever to subsist between the hand of the rider and the mouth of the horse. With well trained and finely broken horses, the presence of the martingale becomes a nuisance ; and to horsemen with light hands it is an abomination. It is used by most horse-breakers, which is not sur- prising, when we consider their very limited know- ledge of the science they profess ; and by all the jockeys and trainers in almost every racing stud in the kingdom ; only proving, however, how little is generally known of the virtues of a light, firm, and elastic hand.
When the horse carries his head too low, then the
30 PIORSEMANSHIP.
hands must be kept well raised to lift it into a proper position, which is eftected only hy perpetual and gentle feeling.
The position of the body and legs of the rider must be precisely the same without the use of stirrups as with them ; the toes being well raised, and the feet parallel to the body of the horse.* If the toes be pointed outwards, there will be danger of irritation from the spurs, upon every emergency requiring the full grasp of the legs of the rider. The toes of the horseman pointing outwards, have an unsightly and untrained appearance.
To feel the horse in a straightforward movement, both the hands must have an equal bearing upon the mouth, by gently turning up the little fingers inwardly towards the breast, together with the simul- taneous pressures of both legs. As the pupil and the horse progress, the rider will find that these movements of the hand are made almost instinctively. At the commencement of the lessons the hands may be seen to move in every direction that is indicated, but
* This can only be attained by the strictest and most constant atten- tion, in consequence of the natural tendency of the toes to droop when unsupported by the stirrups.
STEADY HANDS NECESSARY. 31
eventually the movements become nearly imperceptible. Horse-breakers and jockeys sway their hands to the right and the left perpetually ; and the latter ivill roll them round and round like jyersons in the act of grinding ; but all these habits are the result of defective training, engendered by ignorance, and perpetuated through bad example and want of reflection.
To feel the horse's mouth in any movement to the right, as in an inclination to the right, a turn to the right, or a turn to the right-about, the extra bearing is made upon the right rein, by turning up the little finger of the right hand towards the left shoulder. To feel the horse's mouth in any movement to the left, as in an inclination to the left, a turn to the left, or a turn to the left-about, the extra bearing is made upon the left rein, by turning up the little finger of the left hand towards the right shoulder. To rein straight backwards, the bearing upon both reins must be equal, by the turning up of the little fingers towards the breast.
When the reins are held in each hand, there is not so much necessity to turn up the little finger to either shoulder in particvilar, because in whichever direction the hand may move from the mouth, an extra
32 HORSEMANSHIP.
bearing will be made upon the rein ; but in all cases the hand moves with greater facility and power when it is turned up from the wrist than when it is doubled inwards upon it ; therefore it is preferable for the right hand to be turned up towards the left shoulder, when bearing upon the right rein, and for the left hand to be turned up towards the right shoulder when bearing upon the left rein.
In riding without stirrups, the pupil must not be allowed to trot until he becomes steady and flexible in his seat, and can command the simultaneous action of hands and legs, in every movement that may be required. In the action of the trot, the rider must rise and fall with the pace of the horse, allowing both the body and the limbs to be perfectly flexible and free from constraint. The legs must not cling to the sides of the horse, except upon emergency, and the rider, sitting well down, must find his seat by the aid of the balance alone. To beginners the trot must be slow and of short duration, nor must the celerity of the pace be increased until the rider has gained confi- dence and ease. Without the use of the stirrups, the trot will be found to be the most difficult of all the paces of the horse ; therefore until the pupil can use
DISMOUNTING WITHOUT STIRRUPS. 33
both his hands and his legs to guide and collect the horse, without deriving extraneous support from the bridle and the tenacity of his limbs, he will not be sufficiently perfect to be advanced to the comparatively easy pace of the canter. The more perfect the horse and rider become in the trot, the more collected, elastic, and uniform, will be the horse in the canter.
In the well-trained horse every evolution in the canter will be equal and true, and forms the most beau- tiful of all the paces. In the imperfect horse, the canter becomes disunited : the hind legs are not well collected under him, or they strike against the fore- feet; the near fore-foot leads, when cantering to the right ; or the off fore-foot, when cantering to the left ; or the near fore-foot is followed by the off hind ; or the off fore-foot is followed by the near hind. Lastly, there is no elasticity in the pace ; the hind-legs draggle ; the fore-legs are wooden ; the horse bores upon the bridle ; and the first slip or stumble brings both horse and rider to the ground.
In dismounting without stirrups, the horse is brought to the halt, and made to stand quite still. The right rein is placed along the inside of the left hand. Both hands are placed upon the pommel of the saddle ; the
34 HORSEMANSHIP.
body is raised well up by the strength of the arms ; the right leg is brought clear over the hind quarters of the horse, and the rider comes lightly to the ground upon the balls of the feet.
LESSON in.
ON THE MANAGEMENT OF THE DOUIiTiE-REIN BlIIOLE, OH THE Bl'l AND SNAFFLE HAVING THE USE OF THE STIRRUPS,
m/^/M mm^M^ /m^^^ mJi^.
37
LESSON IIL
ON THE MANAGEMENT OF THE DOUBLE-REIN BRIDLE, OR THE BIT AND SNAFFLE, HAVING THE USE OF THE STIRRUPS.
The snaffle is placed in the mouth of the horse, so that it sh'ghtly bears upon the corners, but not to wrinkle them, and the mouth-piece of the bit to be about one inch above the lower tusk in the horse, or two inches above the corner-tooth in the mare. '' A good rule for all bits being placed in a horse's mouth is, that the mouth-piece, whether it be of a curb or snaffle bridle, should lie on the gum in such a position as to allow the placing of the thick part of the fore-finger on the gum between the bar or mouth-piece and the tusk." The curb-chain to be twisted flat, and to allow a finger to pass inside of it.
HOW TO MOUNT.
Stand opposite to the near fore-foot of the horse ; place the left hand on the neck close to the withers, having the back of the hand to the horse's head, and
38 HORSEMANSHIP.
the reins lying in front of the hand. Place the snaffle- rein across the inside of the hand, and put the little finger between the bit-reins. Take hold of the end of the bit-reins with the right hand, and draw them tight until the mouth of the horse be gently felt. Turn the remainder of the reins along the inside of the hand, and let it fall over the fore-finger on the off side. Place the snaffle-rein upon the reins of the bit, and the thumb upon them. Twist a lock of the mane round the thumb or fore-finger, and close the hand firmly. Put the left toe in the stirrup as far as the ball ; press the knee against the flap of the saddle ; seize the cantle of the saddle with the right hand, and mount. Put the right toe in the stirrup, and place the bridle hand in its proper position, immediately in front of the body, and over the pommel of the saddle, having the wrist rounded outwards.
In cavalry lessons, and in general riding, the bit-reins are thus placed on each side of the little finger. The objection to the little finger dividing the bit-reins is, that two folds of reins (the near-side bit and snaffle reins) are together in the grasp, without being separated by a finger, which adds greatly to the difficulty of re- taining them in their place upon any extreme emer-
FINENESS OF MOUTH. 39
gency. If the third finger he allowed to divide the bit- reins instead of the little finger, the reins will he then properly divided ; and by both of them passing between the inner surfaces of the fingers, the sense of touch is much more acute, and the hand more alive to the delicate impressions of the horse's mouth. Again, when the third finger is permitted to divide the bit-reins, and all the reins are required to be held in equal tension in the left hand, it will be found that a rein will lie be- tween each finger, thus exposing all the inner surfaces of the fingers to the sense of touch, and adding greatly to the strength of hold.
The horseman is now furnished with an instrument of great power, to control and direct the action of the horse ; but it will depend much upon the excellence of the previous training, and the quality of the rider's hand, whether that power can now be made fully avail- able to the best purpose. If the indications of the hand have been dull, heavy, leaden, and uncertain, then the mouth of the horse will remain nearly as callous to the impressions of the bit, as it was to those of the snaffle.
Fineness of mouth means, a mouth that is perfectly trained, and that responds to the determinate action of
40 UOKSEMANSHIP.
the sensitive hand; therefore the rider cannot be too cautious in the manner in which he uses the bit-reins, or too careful that the movements of his hand are the correct indications of his own wilL
To feel the horse's mouth in any movement to the right, as in an inclination to the right, a turn to the right, or a turn to the right-about, the extra bearing is made upon the right rein, by turning up the little finger of the bridle hand inwardly towards the left shoulder. To feel the horse's mouth in any movement to the left, as in an inclination to the left, a turn to the left, or a turn to the left-about, the extra bearing is made upon the left rein, by turning up the little finger inwardly towards the right shoulder. Thus the movements of the hand in the bearing upon the reins are precisely the same with the bit as with the snaffle, when it is held in one hand ; except that a greater delicacy of feeling is requisite in consequence of the greater power of the bit.
When the double reins of both bit and snaffle are required to be held in each hand, the snaffle-rein is drawn tight with the right hand, and the right hand holds the right rein between the third and fourth fingers : then, to feel the horse's mouth in an\ move-
TIGHTENING THE KEINS. 41
ment to the right, the left hand makes the extra bearing upon the right bit-rein, by turning up the little finger towards the left shoulder; and the right hand aids the extra bearing, by its bearing upon the right snaffle-rein, in turning up the little finger also towards the left shoulder. To feel the horse's mouth in any movement to the left, the left hand makes the extra bearing upon both the bit and the snaffle, by turning up the little finger towards the right shoulder.
This method of riding gives the horseman great additional power over the mouth of the horse, and is generally required to be used when the spirit or ob- stinacy of the horse renders the use of one hand alone unsafe or unsatisfactory, as in cases of running away, &c. When all the reins are required to be tightened and used in one hand, the snaffle-reins are drawn tight, and the right snaffle-rein is placed between the first and second finger of the left hand ; the remainder of the reins falling over the fore-finger on the off" side, and secured by the thumb. In this arrangement, if the third finger he j^errnitted to divide the hit-reins, the four fingers divide all the reins ; but the great difficulty is to keep the whole of them hi an equal state of tension.
If a horse be determined to bore upon the bit, or to
42 HORSEMANSHIP.
run away in spite of the best exertions of the rider, the hands must suddenly cease from bearing upon the mouth, and as suddenly regain their hold. The sudden relaxation and the sudden retention, continued, break the stride of the horse; and when the pace becomes broken, the running away can soon be overcome. In horses of confirmed vice, the strength of the rider may be incompetent to contend with it, or the science may be insufficient to counteract and defeat it. In either case the application of artificial aid will add immensely to the powers of the bit and the snaffle. Join the bits of the two bridles with a strong iron or steel ring, suffi- ciently large to allow the snaffle to play with freedom ; or, in place of the ring, enclose the bits with a few links of curb chain, fastened together by a small split ring. By this junction of bit and snaffle, there is found to be greater power over the horse even when using the snaffle, than when using the bit only.
HOW TO DISMOUNT.
Hold the bit-rein with the right hand, and slide the left hand down upon the neck, feeling the horse's mouth gently ; then let the right hand drop the reins
DISMOUNTING. 43
to the oft' side, and twist a lock of the mane round the thumb or fore-finger of the left hand, which then closes vipon the reins. Take the right foot out of the stirrup ; place the right hand upon the right side of the pommel ; and, supporting the weight of the body upon the right liand and left foot, bring the right leg gently over the hind quarters, the right hand seizing the cantle as the body descends on the near side.
LESSON IV.
ON LEAPING, Wim THE DOUBLE-REIN BRIDLE, AND HAVING THE USE OF THE STIRRUPS.
47
LESSON IV.
ON LEAPING, WITH THE DOUBLE-REIN BRIDLE, AND HAVING THE USE OF THE STIRRUPS.
Commence the lessons in leaping in the gentlest man- ner, and over the smallest objects, elevations, and widths. Shorten the stirrup-leathers one hole each. Bring the horse straight up to the leap. If he swerves to the right, meet him with a strong bearing upon the left rem, aided by a strong pressure with the right leg ; if he swerves to the left, meet him with a strong bearing upon the right rein, aided by a strong pressure with the left leg. When the horse has approached the object, press him to coUect himself upon his haunches, by feehng his mouth firmly with both reins, and pressing both legs at the same time. As the horse rises to the leap, the rider eases his bearing upon the mouth, leans well forward to the neck, still presses the legs firmly, and, if necessary, takes this opportunity to use the spur. When the horse is immediately over the leap, the body of the rider becomes upright ; but as the
48 HORSEMANSHIP.
horse descends, the body is thrown well backwards, the left hand retains a strong bearing uj^on tlic month to support the horse, the legs clasp the body with tenacity, and the right hand may be thrown back, if requi- site, to aid the equilibrium. The moment the horse lands upon the opposite side of the fence or object, he is well collected together, by the bearing of the hand and the pressure of both legs, to prevent him from stumbling or falling, and to prepare him to move off at speed if required.
REARING, KICKING, AND SHYING.
When the horse rears, the rider must cease to bear upon the mouth, and lean his body well forward towards the neck. If the horse rears nearly perpendi- cular, the rider must put his arms well forward, so as nearly to clasp the neck, still refraining from bearing upon the mouth ; or, he may pass his right hand along the bit-rein near to the mouth, and bearing strongly to the right, throw the horse off his balance. If the rider be sensible that the horse is about to fall backwards, ho must quit his hold of both the reins and the stirrups, and throw himself from the horse.
STARTING AND SHYING. 49
When the liorse begins to kick, the rider must bear forcibly upon his mouth, and keep his head well up. The rider should also clasp the sides of the horse firmly with both legs, keeping the bodj well back- wards, as in the act of leaping. He should use as little coercion as possible, and be as careful to preserve his own temper as his seat.
When the horse starts or shies, take no farther notice of the movement, than to meet him with the proper bearings and pressures to compel him to move in the true direction. A few caresses will soon restore him, and the momentary alarm will pass off. But if the horse be punished for it, the alarm will not readily subside ; he will take an early opportunity to shy afresh, at the first sti"ange object that presents itself, and he will add another start on the instant, in antici- pation of the spurring and whipping that may be in store for him. Thus what was originally a failing from defect of vision, or an ebullition of spirit from over feeding and want of proper exercise, becomes a vice, rooted and confirmed, and of dangerous character. To halt tlie horse, and compel him to look at or smell the object of his alarm, answers no good purpose whatever.
When the horse starts, and is roundabout in a
50 nOKSEMANSHIP.
moment, the rider must clasp the sides firmly with both his legs, and keep his eyes fixed between the ears of the horse. He ought to caress him, before he turns about to resume the proper direction. This manner of shying is most dangerous to those riders who are careless of their spurs, or who will ride with their toes pointed outwards. The sudden shock is almost certain to cause one or both of the spurs to be driven against the sides of the horse, and thus to increase the excite- ment, at the moment when the seat of the rider is in the greatest jeopardy.
LESSON V.
ON FOX-UUNTING.
^ m^ 6m^.j^ .
LESSON V.
ON FOX-HUNTING.
Bking the horse to the covert side as fresh and as comfortable as possible. Keep free from the crowd, and give the led horses plenty of kicking room. Place the saddle one hand's breadth from the outer edge of the shoulder blade, and tighten the girths, so that the saddle be likelj to retain its position, without impeding the freedom of circulation and respiration. Shorten the stirrup-leathers one hole each, and keep the horse in quiet action until the hounds be thrown into cover.
The hunting seat is formed by the length of the stirrup-leathers, and the perfect flexibility of the person. There can be no determinate length of stirrup prescribed, because the rider must be guided in a great measure by his own peculiar taste. If he ride with too great a length, he will the more frequently lose his foot-hold of the stirrups ; and if he ride with too short a length, his legs will become cramped, his power of
54 HORSEMANSHIP.
grasp will not be so great, and in any sudden con- cussion, he will be the more readily unseated. It is good practice to continue to alter the stirrup-leathers, as the limbs become fatigued. The horseman may stand in his stirrups at speed, as he ascends rising ground; but, generally speaking, he should sit well down in the saddle, having the sole of the stirrup-iron well under the sole of the foot. He ought to be quite at his ease, and flexible in every joint and move- ment, depending more upon his balance and tenacity of grasp, than upon his foot-hold of the stirrup. If he will trust too much upon the strength of the stirrup- leathers, he may have serious cause to rue it. It is an error to suppose, that by so doing he will possess the greater power to prevent his horse from falling. The horse is properly urged to recover himself by the judicious aids of hand, legs, and spurs, and not by the application of brute force. There is no human power that can be placed upon the back of the horse, which can uphold him from falling, when the aids of horse- manship fail to excite him.
The bridle hand should be perfectly supple, and sensible to the slightest touch. The rider must take every opportunitj^ to ease it from its duties, so that
MOUNTING. 55
it may retain its vigour unimpaired to meet every pressing emergency. If its strength begin to flag, tie a knot upon one or both reins to assist the hold. There should be no loose reins in the field, lest branches or gate-posts cause mischief; therefore have all the reins of equal, or nearly equal, tension.
In the field the horseman may adopt either method of mounting to suit his taste and convenience.
The most simple and perfect manner is that of vault- ing at once into the saddle, because it may be accom- plished without hinderance to the forward movement of the horse. If the rider prefer standing near the head of the horse, so that he may reach the stirrup with the greater ease, he must remember that he will have to make one or two bounds with the right foot before he will be able to raise himself in the saddle. The same objection will hold good if he stand close to the hind- quarters of the horse, with the additional drawback of a chance kick through exuberance of spirits, or the exhi- bition of vice. Some riders in mounting prefer taking hold of the saddle with both hands, but the great objec- tion to it is that the entire weight of the body is sustained by the girths alone, and if the saddle yield, the hands and body of the horseman must go with it ; whereas if
56
HORSEMANSHIP.
he grasps the cantle of the saddle with the right hand and the mane of the liorse with the left, the burden of the purchase is then divided, and the stay of the left hand may either enable the rider to reach his seat with alacrity or save him from the consequences of a sudden and perhaps a very severe fall. When the horse begins to plunge or kick before the rider can throw his leg over the saddle, then the weight of the body must be held well over towards the off side, the legs pressing steadily against the saddle. The horseman may remain in this position until the horse has ceased to kick, or he may throw his right leg over the saddle as the hind quarters of the horse reach the ground. Should he consider it the wiser plan to quit the horse altogether, he must re- member to disengage his foot from the stirrup before he makes the spring to the ground, taking especial care to move with rapidity in the same direction with the horse, and never to cease his hold of the reins, unless such retention would prove prejudicial to the welfare of the animal. In all cases of separation of man and horse the first consideration of the rider is to insure an immediate disconnection of the feet from the stirrup-irons, and his second thought must be a firm determination to retain the most vigorous grasp of the reins.
HOLDING THE REINS. 57
Likewise, Avlicn mounted, the rider need not follow any prescribed rule in the manner of holding the reins. Some horsemen prefer placing the little finger between the bit-reins and the middle finger between the snaffle- reins ; thus keeping both pairs of reins perfectly distmct and equally divided, by having a finger between each rein. Others, again, place the oft' reins across the left hand from the fore-finger and the near reins across them lying from the little finger, the whole to be well secured by the thumb and the closed hand. AVhen the reins are changed into the right hand they can be held in the same manner as they were in the left, or they may be merely separated by the right fore-finger and the hand well closed upon all of them. In either case, as before mentioned, the great object of the horseman is to keep his bridle hand in the utmost vigour, and this is chiefly effected by frequent and judicious change.
When the fox is found, ride parallel with or near to the hounds, until the fox breaks cover. Should the fox break away on your side of the cover, keep your horse well in check, and " hold hard," until the hounds are well laid on the scent, and the huntsman in com- mand of the pack. But if he go off on the opposite side, ride with speed, in order to be well placed. A
58 HORSEMANSHIP.
few minutes' delay or hesitation may cause you to distress your horse or to be entirely thrown out.
Always ride clear of the crowd, and select your own line of country. Do not be tempted to mix with strange horses and careless riders, in order that you may get easily through a broken fence : you lose much valuable time by so doing, and endanger both the safety of yourself and your horse. Survey the sur- rounding country at a glance ; observe the direction of the leading hounds ; select your own point of egress, and charge it. When landed in the next field, again cast a rapid glance at the opposing fence, and take the leap least likely to distress your horse, yet tends to bring you in a proper position with respect to the hounds.
Do not bring your horse to a leap when out of wind, and do not put him at a leap which is beyond his physical powers to clear. Bring him to the leap at the speed necessary to impel him forward with the least exhausting impetus — the small leap requiring quietness and great caution, the large leap requiring speed and dexterity. Never despise the small leap : neglect or inattention in this particular is the frequent cause of serious, and sometimes fatal, injury. The
THE TIMBER LEAP. 59
great secret in leaping is to teach the horse to measure the distance that is required to be covered, and no more. The horse that rushes at the fence, and springs twice the heiglit and double the width, will soon exhaust his strength.
Ride wide of that part of the fence where horse or horseman has follen to the ground ; and avoid charging a fence when stray or lagging hounds are in danger of being lamed. If possible, do not leap into lanes or paved roads, and, when landed in them, do not ride at speed. Do not ride hard down hill, and always direct the horse straight downwards, in preference to a slanting direction. Avoid strong timber fences as much as possible, and five-barred gates in particular. The land on each side of the gate is frequently of the most artificial and objectionable character, consisting of paving stones, brick-bats, broken bottles, &c. &c.
The timber leap in the ox-fence requires a cool head, a steady hand, and a firm seat. Bring the horse straight at the rail, either in the trot or the canter. As soon as he lands between the rails, raise and press him to clear the second rail. Possibly the fence may lie at the foot of a declivity, and the horse may approach it at the top of his speed with the apparent
60 HORSEMANSHIP.
intention of taking the whole at a bound. In this case, the horseman must keep his seat with the utmost firmness, bear very gently upon the mouth, and do nothing whatever to distract the attention or diminish the energies of the horse. Probably the good judg- ment of the horse will excel the skill of the rider, and carry him safely and with ease through all the difficulty.
Avoid staked hedges as much as possible. Always approach them at a tolerable speed, and use the spur freely, if necessary, as the horse is about to make a spring. Staked hedges are those fences, in particular, which cause the most dangerous and fatal wounds. In all cases of extensive haemorrhage, bandage the wound tightly on the instant, taking care that the lips of the wound are brought into complete contact. Saturate thoroughly the bandage with cold water, and repeat the application every five minutes until tlie bleeding has ceased. The cold water constricts the mouths of the ruptured vessels, and thus stays the ha3morrhage. Meanwhile, the horse must not be re- moved from the spot until the bleeding has stopped ; and the bandages must not be stirred or changed, from the time they were first applied, until the lips of
LEAnXG WALLS, BROOKS, ETC. 61
the wound are united by adhesion; but they must be wetted afresh with cold water every half hour, every hour, or every hour and a half, according to the urgency of the case. Handkerchiefs of any kind will form good bandages in extremity. In leaping very high thorn fences, select that part of the hedge which is the thinnest in growth, charge it at a good pace, and, as the horse plunges through it, depress the head to protect the eyes, and raise both arms to in- crease the protection.
In leaping stone walls, the rider must accommodate himself to the habits of the horse. Most horses will top the wall with the hind-feet, and make the down- ward spring from the top of the wall. Other horses will clear the wall at a bound. In the first instance, the rider must not commence to throw his body back- wards until the horse has made his second spring. When landed in ploughed or swampy ground, do not exceed the pace of the trot ; and if your horse be dis- tressed, dismount, and walk him through it. Do not ride at speed across furrowed ground, but always ride to the headland before attempting to recover distance.
In leaping brooks or ditches in a level country, the rider must depend upon the judgment of the horse
62 HORSEMANSHIP.
for the distance he will take to make the spring ; taking care to keep the body well back, the legs closely pressed to the sides, the bridle hand very firm, and the spur ready to be applied at the moment of the spring. If the horse suddenly swerve to the right or the left, the eyes of the rider must be fixed between the ears of the horse. Should the rider fail to attend to these particulars upon such occasions, he will rarely succeed in retaining his equilibrium, and the result will be generally attended with immediate ruin to the pleasure and comfort of the day's sport. The rider must be very careful in the selection of his ground. It will be preferable to choose a large leap with sound land, to a much smaller one having rotten banks. The continued want of firm footing in leaping will very soon prove destructive to the best energies of the horse. If the horse leaps into a deep brook or ditch, the rider must throw himself to land as soon as possible. If the horse reaches the opposite bank with his fore-hand only, the rider must throw himself to land in an instant, over the shoulder of the horse. These imperfect leaps are frequently attended with serious injury to the horse ; therefore the necessity of careful and immediate examination before the chase be
BANKS AND ACCLIVITIES. 63
resumed. In leaping double ditches with intervening bank, spring the horse to the top of the bank, and instantly press him to leap the second ditch. Any delay on the bank may be fatal to the second leap, and the horse, instead of springing over the ditch, may slide down or walk into it. In leaping steep banks without an opposite ditch, spring the horse to the top of the bank, and, bearing firmly upon the mouth, allow him to slide down upon his haunches. In a country abounding with steep banks, this method tends much to economise the powers of the horse. In leaping down from a steep bank, or in leaping from high to very low ground, the rider must take care to throw his body backwards to the horse's croup, closing his legs very firmly to the sides, and having his feet well underneath ; and, if necessary, he may seize the cantle of the saddle with the right hand, lest the weight of his body be thrown forward at the moment of landing, and thus overbalance the strength of the horse. In ascending acclivities, the rider must lean well forward, and, if necessary, cling round the neck of the horse, without having any bearing upon the bridle at all. In ascending a steep bank from water, cease to bear upon the reins, and twist a lock
64 HORSEMANSHIP.
of the mane firmly rovmd the fore-finger of the left hand ; clasp the neck of the horse with the right hand, and press the legs and feet closely to the sides.
In swimming, the rider must cease to use the bit- rein, and retain the gentlest bearing upon the snaffle alone. If he persist in using the bit, the horse's nose will be instantly drawn under the water, and thus prove fatal to one or both. The body of the rider must lean well forward to guard against the violent propulsion of the horse ; and the feet must be im- mediately disengaged from the stirrups, in preparation to be separated from the horse in any emergency. In swimming streams, always swim down with the stream : thus the powers of the horse will not be exhausted, and the stream will be crossed without danger. In at- tempting to swim against a rapid current, the horse is liable to be turned over, and his life jeopardised. In fording streams, always ford them upwards, or in a slanting direction against the stream. The horse thus stems the stream, and has the better chance of retaining his footing. The rider keeps his eyes fixed between the ears of the horse, otherwise the rapidity of the stream may cause giddiness and confusion. The fords of streams are generally found to be in
END OF THE CHASE. 65
the widest parts of the river. Beware of open drains of small dimensions, more especially if they be nearly blind with weeds, or filled with water: never cross them at speed.
When the hounds come to check, keep clear of the pack, and well out of the supposed line of scent. Never interfere with the hunting of the hounds upon any pretence whatever. If you possess correct inform- ation of the direction of the fox, communicate it to the huntsman himself. Avoid shouting or causing dis- turbance. Keep your horse clear of the crowd ; and, if time and opportunity will permit, dismount, loosen the girths, and place the saddle one hand's breadth from the outer edge of the shoulder blade, so that it may not interrupt or impede the action of the fore-hand. If your horse now show symptoms of distress, do not hesitate to retire from the field. Never endanger the life of a noble animal for the empty honour of being a witness to the death of a fox.
Lastly, ride in opposition to no one, and seldom follow the judgment of another in preference to your own, unless he be one who is well versed in the outlines of the country. If you become separated from your horse, depend as much as possible upon your own
66 HORSEMANSHIP.
activity and address for the recovery of him. Do not attempt to spoil the sport of others, by claiming their sympathy and assistance.
If you chance to be the only horseman present when the fox is killed, do not interfere with the proceedings of the pack : the hounds are strangers to your voice, you are a stranger to their names ; and it will be much better that the fox be devoured at once, than that any hound be lamed or injured by an awkward attempt on your part to rescue him. Never court the favour of hearing away the trophy of the fox's brush.
LESSON VI.
TEEATMENT OF THE HOUSE AFTEE HUNTING.
69
LESSON VI.
TREATMENT OF THE HORSE AFTER HUNTING.
The fox dead, the hounds led off, and on their way to kennel, the first consideration must be for your horse. Immediately examine his feet; if he has cast a shoe, lead him to the nearest smithy : have the foot trimmed or rasped, but not pared ; do not let the knife touch the sole of the foot, even if it appears to want it much. Have the shoe made to fit the foot with exactness. Do not let the shoe be applied red-hot to the foot to form its own bed. This process is a prolific cause of lameness and ruin. Examine the direction of the nails before they are clinched, and have those extracted which appear to be driven too near to the sensible foot. Do not allow the shoe to be nailed on to the foot too tightly : probably the foot has already become bruised by concussions consequent upon the loss of the old shoe, therefore the tight clinching of a new shoe when engaged upon a road
70 HORSEMANSHIP.
journey, will most readily produce acute inflammation and confirmed lameness. Finally, never trust your horse to the tender mercies of a country smith, but keep a vigilant watch over all his movements.
Take this opportunity to procure some wheaten flour ; mix it well with lukewarm water, take off the bridle, and let the horse drink from a quarter to half a bucket full. Wheaten flour has the advantage of being more nutritious than oatmeal, and does not irritate an exhausted stomach. Loosen the girths and put the saddle in its proper place.
The pace homewards must entirely correspond with the distance you have to travel, and the vital powers of the horse. " It is of the greatest importance to get the horse to his own home and stall," but if he be much exhausted, and many miles distant from his own stable, it will be much the better plan to seek the nearest shelter for the night, more especially if the w^eather be broken and the day far spent. The rider must always bear in mind, that the journey homewards, if upon a strange road, is entirely extra work, and without the least excitement to stimulate the horse. During the chase he has undergone Herculean labours with courage and delight ; but the motive to exertion having
REFRESHMENT. 71
ceased, the consequent exhaustion and fatigue rapidly supervene.
Do not allow the horse to drink cold water either on the journey homeward, or at the conclusion of it. The vital powers of the horse may be too much depressed to insure the reaction of the blood, and colic and death frequently result from the exhibition of it. The sooner judicious nourishment be given to the horse after the labour of the day's hunt, the more rapidly will his strength and vigour be re-established to perform with credit another meet.
Arrived at home, take off' the bridle, loosen the girths, throw a loose rug over the body, and give the horse a small drink of water that has had the chill taken oflF, having a little flour mixed in it. Put some fresh hay in the rack, and a few oats in the manger. Bandage all the four legs with wet bandages, over which roll dry ones, and leave him in quiet for an hour. At the expiration of the hour, or sooner if necessary, take off the saddle, have him well groomed, well bedded, and well fed. If the horse be a crib- biter, alioays prefer giving Mm his corn in a proper nose- hag, which will prevent him from cribbing the manger, and thus wasting his food; but as long as a horse
72 HORSEMANSHIP.
refuses to eat his oats, let him be fed upon malt mashes, having a little honey or sugar mixed in them. In bedding up, if the horse's legs are in a state of acute inflammation, the bandages must be taken off, the legs well sponged, and re-bandaged with fresh wet and dry bandages. Always use both wet and dry bandages after a hard day's work, in preference to wet ban- dages only, even if there be acute inflammation present. In the absence of the horse from the stable, the stall or loose box ought to be well cleansed and washed ; his clothing well aired, well beaten, and well brushed. These particulars are greatly neglected in most of the hunting stables in the kingdom.
Early in the morning have him re-shod, if necessary, and examine minutely all the legs for wounds, strains, thorns, and over-reaches. Extract the thorns, cut off the loose flesh from the over-reach, and wash the wounds free from every particle of sand and dirt. Use salt and water for saddle-galls, and bandage with wet bandages all the legs ; the fore-legs, from the coronets to the knees ; and the hind-legs, from the coronets to the hocks. Roll dry bandages over them, unless there be violent inflammation, as in strains of the back sinew, &c., in which case the dry bandage
BANDAGES. 73
must not be applied, until the acute inflammation has subsided.
Wet bandages have been used in hunting and racing- stables from time immemorial, and ages before Yincent Priessnitz was born wet bandages were in existence.
The system of the English groom is to apply as much moisture as possible with the thickest material, and without any dry covering, so that, whether in- flammation exists or not, the vital power of the blood has to contend against enormous loss of caloric and most profuse evaporation. His practice is to bandage with thick flannel, steeped in cold water, applied dripping wet, and when removed, to leave the limb exposed, untouched ; so that a body which has been surrounded with a mass of hot vapour, and in a state of great relaxation, is suddenly left exposed to all the vicissitudes of the atmosphere, after it has been robbed of an immense amount of its vital energies.
Whereas, the system of the German is to apply a sufficient quantity of moisture to meet the urgency of the case, with a material suitable to contain it, and prove beneficial to the cure. If acute inflammation be not present, the evaporation is stayed by the application of dry bandages upon the wet ; so that the
74 HORSEMANSHIP.
vital power has time to generate heat sufficiently fast to renew the caloric lost by evaporation. His practice is to bandage with coarse linen, an article much more suitable to the texture of the skin. After the bandage has been steeped in cold water, the moisture is wrung out more or less, according to the amount of inflamma- tion that exists. If there be acute inflammation, the bandage is partially wrung out, and renewed every half-hour, or every hour, or every hour and a half, without the additional covering of the dry bandage. Upon every renewal of the bandage, the limb is well sponged with cold water, and gently or well hand- rubbed, unless the skin be abraded. If acute inflam- mation does not exist, the bandages are well wrung out, and when rolled upon the limb are covered with dry bandages, one or two folds of loet requirhig three or four folds of dry.
The instant the bandages are removed, the limb is sponged with cold water, and well hand-rubbed for several minutes ; or it is hand-rubbed with wet hands very frequently dipped in cold water.
Thus in acute inflammation, the inflammatory ex- citement is reduced by a rapid evaporation of the local secretions, acting in similar but more effective
APPLICATION OF COLD WATER. 75
manner to topical bleeding. Again, when there is no acute inflammation the wet bandages are freed from their superfluous moisture, the blood reacts instantly, healthy evaporation is evolved, and the dry bandages confine the vapour and prevent its too rapid escape. Thus the caloric of the blood is thrown off in the same ratio that it is generated, and no more. In chronic cases, the wet bandage may be renewed every three, four, or five hours. The washing and hand-rubbing of the limb brace up and invigorate the skin, and enable the parts to withstand every variation of temperature. As soon as the acute stage has passed off, as in clap of the back sinew, or in any severe strain, an excellent douche may be applied, the moment the bandage is re- moved, by attaching a lialf-inch india-rubber tube to the water-tap. When the stream has played upon the sinew for two or three minutes, let it be well hand- rubbed before the douche be renewed. One or two applications will be sufficient in the twenty-four hours : hut never use the douche, upon any occasion lohatever, as long as there is acute inflammation present. By ap- plying a nozle to the india-rubber tube, an enema of the first quality and of the greatest power is always at command. This syringe can be regulated in intensity
76 HORSEMANSHIP.
of volume with the greatest nicety, and there is no disease to which the bowels of the horse are subject, in which the exhibition of the cold-water injection will not prove of the greatest benefit, provided that either exercise or friction to the abdomen be used imme- diately.
The temperature of wet bandages is about 50°. The temperature of the blood of the horse is about 98°, or about the same as that in man. When the wet bandages have been applied to the animal, they soon rise in temperature to within a few degrees of the heat of the blood. Therefore in all cases of inflammation, it proves the great necessity that exists for the very frequent renewal of the wet bandage, and the enormous power it exerts in subduing the remotest tendency to inflammatory action.
If water of a lower temperature be required in consequence of extreme inflammation, steep the band- ages in iced water. Bandages wrung out of iced water, and frequently renewed, will permit the reaction and evaporation of the blood ; but if ice itself be applied in immediate contact with the animal, it overpowers the vitality and paralyses the energy of the blood.
Although wet bandages will cure all local injuries,
DRESSINGS FOR THE HEAD, FACE, ETC. 77
such as wounds, strains, bruises, broken knees, capped hocks, wind-galls, acute inflammation of the feet, toge- ther with fractures both simple and compound ; and, in conjunction with enema, will cure colic, constipation, diarrhoea, inflammation of the throat and bowels, ulcers, excoriations, swelling of the limbs and inflammation of the feet arising from general disease, — yet most of the sick horses of the present day are treated, according to the method of the English groom, with the wet bandage alone, or without the use of any bandages whatsoever.
Those parts of the horse's body where great difficulty will be found to retain the bandages in their position should be encased with a linen covering, and wet and dry folds of linen placed upon the wounds should be fastened to the casings, and renewed as a wet and dry bandage. Thus in wounds of the face, eyes, head, or neck, apply a linen hood ; in wounds of the chest, a linen breastplate ; in wounds or bruises of the withers, a linen casing extending well down on each side of the shoulders, fastened to the roller on one side, and to a breastplate on the other.
Linen is found to be the best material for bandages. It is less relaxing to the skin than flannel, and retains
78 HORSEMANSHIP.
a sufficiency of moisture for all purposes. Russia towelling or coarse Russia linen forms the best bandage for the wet, and strong close-grained Scotch sheeting makes the best bandage for the dry. Oil-shin, or xoater-proof material of any kind whatever, is higJily objectionable, because it repels the evaporation altogether, or suffers it to escape ivith great difficulty; it greatly retards the cure, and ifi some cases is productive of much mischief As long as moisture is applied to the animal frame, the heat of the blood must generate steam, and the cure of disease is thus effected through the well- regulated escape of evaporation without exhausting the vital energies. Bandages three inches wide are sufficient for the legs, and fifteen or eighteen inches in width are sufficient for the body. The method of rolling them is to give the bandages a fold or twist every time they do not conform to the configuration of the limb or to the direction required. They must be rolled sufficiently tight to retain their position during the night, and to prevent the rapid escape of eva- poration. They must not be rolled too tightly, other- wise they will impede the free circulation of tlio blood.
Finally, we find that the system of the English
TEST OF THE TIIEOllY. 79
groom is one which he dare only apply to the diseases of his horse. From the day it was first practised until the present time, neither master nor man has been known to have the temerity to treat himself with the same unscrupulous method of cure.
Whereas the curative system of the German may be applied not only to the diseases of the horse, but also to those of the groom, his wife, his children, and his friend.
LESSON VII.
INSTRUCTION ON EIDING FOR LADIES.
LESSON VIL
INSTRUCTIONS FOR LADIES.
The lady's horse must be well trained and docile before the pupil attempts to ride, because a lady on horseback, being partially deficient in the use of limbs and spurs, is generally incapable of breaking in a horse in a sufficient manner by the aid of hand and whip alone. In numerous cases the pressure of the left leg is rendered nugatory by the size and substance of the flap of the saddle; and the folds of the habit would generally receive the infliction intended from the use of the spur; therefore as the whip is the chief additional aid a lady can depend upon, the exact management of it ought to be reduced to a perfect science. Every movement and touch of the whip must be made for purpose and effect. It can be used on both sides of the horse, as the case may require. The lady will have no difficulty in using it on the right or off side of the horse ; but to use
84 HORSEMANSHIP.
the whip on the near side with proper effect requires caution and address.
To strike the near fore-hand, raise the whip quietly to an upright position, holding it with a firm grasp. Let the whip suddenly descend along the shoulder, and instantly return to the upright position. Never strike the horse across any part of the neck or head. To strike the near hind-quarter, pass the right hand gently behind the waist, as far as the arm will reach without distorting the position of the body, and strike by holding the whip between the two fore-fingers and thumb. This position is most excellent practice by compelling the pupil to draw in the waist to its proper place ; and until a lady can perform it easily, without disturbing the position and action of her bridle-hand, she will fail in attaining a graceful and elegant carriage.
The lady's saddle ought to have three crutches or pommels. The third or hunting pommel is screwed into the tree of the saddle a little below the near pommel, and is intended to lie acx'oss or span the left leg just above the knee, to prevent the rider from being thrown forward, or on the neck of the horse. This pommel must not clasp the leg tightly, but should allow of the free action of the limb in the trot and in the canter :
MOUNTING. bo
therefore every lady ought to have the hunting pommel adjusted by measure, so that it be placed a very short distance above the leg, and not fixed to suit the capri- cious will of the saddler. The lady may use either the stirrup or the slipper as she chooses. When the foot is liable to be fatigued, the use of the slipper is of great advantage. She should avoid using a small but pretty stirrup, for the want of room in a stirrup frequently causes the foot to get fixed in an emergency. If a small stirrup be used, it should have a bar across the upper part of it to prevent the foot from getting wedged in.
HOW TO MOUNT WITH THE AID OF GROOM.
Stand close to the near side of the horse and opposite to the saddle. Place the right hand upon the middle pommel, and the left foot in the right hand of the groom. Take the whip in the left hand and place that hand upon the groom's right shoulder. The groom should have his right hand upon his right knee, so that when the lady springs up he may accelerate the movement, by the uplifting of both the hand and the knee.
Having sprung into the saddle, put the right leg be-
86 HORSEMANSHir.
tween the two outer pommels, and the left foot in the stirrup, having the toe well raised and the foot parallel to the side of the horse. Adjust the dress, take up the reins, place the bridle-hand in position, and take the whip in the right hand.
The length of the stirrup-leather is measured by the sole of the stirrup-iron touching the ankle-bone, as the leg hangs down loose. In arranging the reins, take up the snaffle-rein across the inside of the left hand, and draw the bit-reins through on each side of the little or of the third finger, until the mouth of the horse be gently felt. Turn the remainder of the reins along the inside of the hand, and let it fall over the fore-finger on the off side. Place the snaffle-reins upon those of the bit, and the thumb upon them all, having the hand well closed. The proper position of the bridle-hand is imme- diately opposite the centre of the waist, and about three or four inches from it. It is on a level with the elbow and slightly rounded outwards at the wrist. The arm must hang straight down from the shoulder, and nearly close to the side. The body must be perfectly upright and square to the front, having the waist well drawn in, but without any appearance of constraint. The body must be full in the centre of the saddle, and great care
MOUNTING WITHOUT AID. 87
must be taken that the right slioulder be well back, and the knuckles of the bridle-hand be opposite the horse's
HOW TO MOUNT WITHOUT THE AID OF GROOM.
Stand opposite to the saddle upon chair or step. Have the whip in the left hand. Take the snaffle-rein across the palm of the left hand, and draw the bit-rein through on each side of the little or third finger, until the mouth of the horse be felt. Place the left foot in the stirrup, and taking the middle pommel with the left hand, and the cantle of the saddle or the outer pommel with the right hand, spring into the saddle. Put the right leg between the two outer pommels, adjust the dress, and place the bridle-hand in its proper position.
HOW TO WALK.
In urging the horse to walk, feel the mouth gently, by turning up the little finger towards the breast, and use the whip upon the right flank. To incline to the right, and to turn to the right, feel the right side of the horse's mouth, by turning up the little finger towards the left shoulder. To turn to the right-about, the horse
88 HORSEMANSHIP.
is brought to a momentary halt, and the feeling upon the right side of the horse's mouth is continued until the turn be completed. In making the whole of the above movements the lady may accompany them by the pressure of the left leg or the application of the heel or spur, but in many cases she is incapable of collecting the horse and of preventing the near hind-quarter from being thrown too much outwards, unless the whip be used upon the left flank or near hind-quarter ; and this can only be efiected by the whip-hand passing behind the waist of the rider.
In inclining to the left, and in turning to the left, feel the left side of the horse's mouth by turning up the little finger towards the right shoulder. At the same time use the whip on the right flank to collect the horse and to prevent him from throwing his hind quarters too much outwards, or to the right. To turn to the left- about, the horse is brought to a momentary halt, and the extra bearing upon tlie left rein is continued until the turn be completed. In making these turns to the right and left, and to the right and left about, the lady must be ever careful that the increased bearing upon one side of the horse's mouth does not dispense with a proper feeling upon the other side also ; otherwise the
NICETY OF TOUCH. 89
bridle will have an imperfect bearing upon the mouth, and the alternate rein will be quite relaxed.
To rein backwards, the horse is brought to a momen- tary halt, and the bearing upon the mouth is made equally upon both reins, by turning up the little finger to the breast; at the same time collecting the hind quarters of the horse well under him, by gentle touches of the whip. Thus the hand and the whip are ever in unison, and act simultaneously. From the moment that the lady has the horse in motion, until the ride be finished, the hand must never cease its feeling upon the mouth. Excellent practice in the uses of the hand can be carried out at home, by means of the elastic india- rubber band, and tape reins.
It will be found generally that the lady attains this delicacy of hand in riding with much greater facility than the gentleman. With the lady it appears to be spontaneous ; or it arises either from exquisite organisa- tion or moral perception of right. There also exists a total absence of presumptive knowledge, and a perfect obedience to instruction.
With the gentleman there is a feeling of contempt for this lightness of hand. He can sit his horse by the strength of his limbs, and he can guide him by the force
90 HORSEMANSHIP.
of his arm ; he can leap him over the loftiest fence by his courage and address, and he can gtoad him by the spur to the utmost stretch of his speed ; finally, he can ride up to the tail of the swiftest hounds in the country ; and hence he firmly believes his system of horsemanship is perfect and finished.
HOW TO CANTER.
In lady's riding, the lessons in the canter ouglit to precede those of the trot, because the canter is a pace much easier to learn than the trot, and thus the pupil will readily acquire perfect confidence on horseback. Consequently a lady will soon become capable of en- joying the pleasure of riding in the open air, free from the trammels of a school.
In the canter the body must be kept perfectly upright and square to the front, without stiffness or constraint. There must be neither a tendency to leaning backward nor forward, unless the horse be moving down hill, or up an ascent. The lady must sit well down in the centre of the saddle, preserving her balance by the pressure of the right leg against the middle pommel, and, if requisite, by the pressure of
CANTERING. 91
the left leg against the hunting pommel also. To canter with the right or off fore-leg leading, the extra bearing must be made upon the right rein, and a strong pressure with the left leg, or heel, or spur, at the same time using the whip across the near fore-hand of the horse. If the horse hesitates to canter, pass the whip- hand behind the waist, and strike the near hind-quarter. The lady must continue the bearing upon the mouth throughout the entire of the pace, and if the horse flags in his movements, or does not respond to the action of the bridle-hand, then the whip must be instantly applied.
To canter with the left fore- leg leading, the extra bearing will be upon the left rein, by turning up the little finger towards the right shoulder, and using the whip upon the right shoulder or flank. The horse must never be permitted to canter with either fore-leg leading at his own will, but be subject entirely to the direction of the hand and whip. It is an excellent lesson to change frequently the leading leg, when in the canter, so that upon any disturbance of pace, or change of direction, the action of the one may be as familiar and as easy to the rider as the other. When the horse canters in a curve to the right, or when he turns to the
92 HORSEMANSHIP.
right, lie must have the right or off fore-leg the leading one, and the lady must incline the body very slightly to the right. When the horse canters in a curve to the left, or when he turns to the left, he must have the left or near fore-leg leading, and the body of the rider must be inclined very slightly to the left. To incline to the right, to turn to the right, and to turn to the right-about, the extra bearhig must be made upon the right rein, accompanied by a strong pressure with the left leg, and, if necessary, to use the spur or the whip upon the near shoulder or hind quarter. To incline to the left, to turn to the left, and to turn to the left-about, the extra bearing must be made upon the left rein, and the whip used upon the left side of the horse. To turn about, always bring the horse to a momentary halt before the turn be commenced. As soon as the turn is completed, bear upon the mouth, and strike with the whip, to compel the horse to move forward in the canter on the instant.
To rein backwards, bring the horse to a momentary halt, and bear equally upon both reins; at the same time collecting the horse by using the whip on either flank as required.
In all the movements of the canter, the lady must be
TKOTTING. 93
careful that the bridle-arm does not acquire the bad habit of moving from the side of the body, and throwing the elbow outwards. All the movements of the hand should proceed from the wrist alone, and the bearings upon the horse's mouth should be made by gently tiu'ning upwards the little finger, at the same time keeping the hand firmly closed upon the reins.
THE TROT. The horse is urged to trot by bearing equally upon both reins, and using the whip gently upon the right flank. The lady must sit well down in the saddle, and rise and fall with the action of the horse, springing lightly from the flexibility of the instep and the knee. She must guard against rising too high from the saddle, which not only will endanger her position, but has also a very ungraceful and awkward appearance. The trot must be commenced at a very gentle pace, and ended the moment the rider feels either fatigue or alarm. The bearings upon the mouth must be continued throughout the pace, and the whip used to collect the horse at any moment that he may flag, or disregard the hand of the rider. Until the lady attains a perfect confidence in her seat in the slow trot, the pace must
94 HORSEMANSHIP.
not be accelerated or extended, nor the turnings be abrupt or frequent.
To incline to the right and left, and to turn to the right and left, and to turn to the right and left about, the bearings are similar to those used in the canter. If the horse strikes into the canter, either bring him to the halt, and commence afresh, or bear strongly upon the reins until he falls into the trot; or break the canter by bearing upon the opposite rein to his leading leg.
ON LEAPING.
The lady's horse must be perfectly steady, and thoroughly trained before she attempts to put him at a leap. If the horse shows any unwillingness to take the leap, or swerves to the right or left, she must remain firm and kind, and compel him to clear it. The right leg must press strongly the middle pommel, and the left be pressed close to the side of the horse. If the horse swerves to the right, the rider must bear strongly upon the left rein ; and if he swerves to the left, the bearing must be upon the right rein. The lady must exercise great patience, great forbearance, and be very lavish of pattings on the neck ; because
LEAPING AND DISMOUNTING. 95
there is nothing more distasteful to the horse in general, than the attempt to leap him over an obstacle, without the excitement of company and example.
The horse must be brought straight to the leap, and as he rises to take it, the lady must lean well forward, and bear but very gently upon the mouth. As he makes the spring, strike the whip, if necessary, upon the right flank, and as he descends, the body of the rider should incline backwards, the left leg pressing firmly against the hunting pommel, and the bridle having a strong bearing upon the mouth. Be pre- pared to use the whip again if requisite, to collect the horse, or to urge him forward at speed. If necessary, the stirrup-leather may be shortened. As the lady increases in confidence and address, so may the fre- quency and size of the leap be also increased ; but it must be always borne in mind, that if both horse and rider acquit themselves satisfactorily over a small leap in cool blood, they are well fitted for large performances when under the excitement of company or the chase.
ON DISMOUNTING.
Bring the horse to the full stop, and collect him well together, with the whip used upon his hind quarters.
96 HORSEMANSHIP.
Put the whip m the left hand ; disengage the right leg from the pommels, and the left leg from the stirrup ; adjust the dress so that it be fully clear from all the pommels, more especially the middle and hunting pom- mels ; let the reins fall on the neck ; place the left hand upon the right arm of the groom, and the right hand upon the hunting pommel, and descend to the ground upon the balls of the feet. In mounting and dismounting, it is always preferable to have the whip in the left hand, otherwise the vibrations of the whip would be very liable to startle the steadiest horse ; and the lady in descending by the help of the hunting, in- stead of the middle pommel, not only prevents the de- rangement of the dress, but may, if requisite, dismount without assistance.
LESSON VIII.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR BREAKING IN THE COLT, OR YOUNG HORSE.
99
LESSON VIII.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR BREAKING IN THE COLT OR YOUNG HORSE,
Put on the cavesson without the bridle, so that the nose-band be about three inches above the nostrils, and not fastened too tightly. Lead the colt in the walk for a considerable time. Handle him very gently on the right hand and on the left. When he has become tractable in the walk, proceed to longe him in the trot. Always longe him in an oblong figure, and never prac- tise the longe in the true circle. When the colt is longed in the perfect circle, he is liable to strain him- self, by the head and neck being drawn too much inwards, and the hind quarters being thrown too much outwards. This practice is the frequent cause of spavins and curbs. In longeing to the left, the Avhip should be carried in the right hand ; and in longeing to the right, the whip should be held in the left hand. To longe in the oblong figure, keep exactly in a line with the forehand, having the hand and whip well
100 HORSEMANSHIP.
extended, so that the lash of the whip may be readily- thrown towards the hind quarters of the horse, to urge him forward. If you get before the line of the forehand, it will tend to check the pace ; and if you get behind the shoulder, it will excite the horse to increase the pace, and cause him unnecessary alarm. Study to keep the colt at a strictly regular pace, be- ginning at a very slow trot. When the colt has been longed to one hand for a sufficient time, draw him quietly to the centre, speaking to him and caressing him. Have a few oats ready for him, in the palm of the hand; but keep the whip out of sight, or let it fall at once upon the ground. Do not let the first few lessons exceed an hour in length. After which, put a plain snaffle in his mouth, but allow the reins to lie loosely on his neck. When the colt has become per- fectly tractable in the walk and trot, both in the col- lected and extended pace, proceed to longe him with the reins fastened to the roller. The roller must be fitted with a crupper ; and in adjusting the latter, the greatest care and attention must be given that the hairs of the tail be not entangled or doubled up with it. Reins made of strong India-rubber band are in- finitely preferable to those made of leather; because
THE LONGE. 101
the elasticity of the band permits the colt to play with the snaffle, without the danger of abrading the fine skin of liis mouth. If the colt be inclined to carry his head too high, the reins must be fastened low down upon the sides of the roller. If he be inclined to carry his head too low, the reins must be fastened higher up, in some cases, upon the branches of a cross-tree.
This is the only time when the use of the martingale is to be tolerated, but its branches ought to be made of strong India-rubber bands.
When the colt has been thus longed in several lessons, place a saddle, without stirrups, very gently upon his back. The saddle must be adjusted with the greatest caution and address, taking great care that the girths be not drawn too tightly. When the colt has become reconciled to the use of it, attach the stirrup leathers first ; and when he has become accus- tomed to them, add the stirrup irons also; these may hang loosely at the ends of the leathers, or may be slided up to the top of them. When the colt has been well schooled in the cavesson, and has learned to trot in the slow and quick pace with regularity and freedom, and is thoroughly docile and tractable, then proceed to mount him.
102 HORSEMANSHIP.
At this stage of the breaking in, it will be advisable to employ an assistant, who should hold the colt close to his head by a very steady hand on the cavesson rein, at the same time standing face to face with the colt, patting and caressing him. You may then proceed to take up the snaffle-reins with the left hand, and place the left foot very quietly in the stirrup, taking great care that the point of the toe does not come in contact with the side of the horse. If the colt be very nervous or unruly, cease to repeat the lesson at that time, but continue to longe him until his alarm has subsided.
When he stands perfectly quiet, take hold of the cantle of the saddle, and raise yourself gently until you stand upright in the stirrup. Repeat this lesson also, until the colt ceases to flinch or start.
When he stands quite still, with the rider standing upright in the stirrup, then carry the right leg quietly over the back, and come very gently into the saddle, by staying the weight of the body with the right hand placed upon the right side of the pommel of the saddle. When the rider is in the saddle, his legs must not press the sides of the colt, and the hands must not bear upon the mouth. If the colt begins to kick and plunge, the person in charge of the cavesson rein must keep his
THE WALK. 103
hold with great firmness, and the rider must preserve his seat by the balance alone. There must not be the least violence, either on the part of the rider or of his assistant. When the alarm of the colt has subsided, the rider may dismount, continue to longe, and repeat the lesson several times. When the colt stands quietly to be mounted, then proceed to have him longed with the rider upon his back. The rider must have a rein in each hand, and gradually bear upon the mouth, as the colt is longed to the right and left. As soon as the colt has become tractable, then the use of the cavesson and the assistant may be dispensed with.
In urging the colt to walk, always hear slightly xipon the mouth icith both hayids, at the same time that the pressure is made ivith both legs, in preference to carrying the hand forivard, and thus having no feeling at all upon the mouth ; because the first step of the horse or colt may be to stumble, and the hand ivill then return to its proper place with a sudden shock, causing both alarm and pain* Avoid upon every occasion to allow him to amble, or break from the walk into the trot. If he starts or shies at objects, caress him, and take instant measures gently to quiet his alarm. If shying be now * The cavalry practice is to carry the hand forward.
104 HOESEMANSHIP.
followed by punishment, the fault may become a con- firmed vice for lifc:
Do not proceed to the trot until the colt has attained an excellent and equal pace in the walk. Begin the trot in a very careful and quiet manner, and do not proceed to extend his pace until he has become well collected in the slow trot. Whenever the hind foot strikes against the fore foot, it is very certain that the colt is either defective in his organisation, or has been badly trained and most imperfectly collected in his paces. In reining backward proceed in the gentlest manner, being satisfied with getting a few paces back- ward at a time.
Do not urge the young horse into the canter until his movements in the trot are thoroughly perfect, and the mouth has become quite sensitive to the bearing of the hands. If the mouth have become so sensitive that it yields to the slightest touch, yet without the paces being collected, it proves that the bearings of the hands and the pressures of the legs of the rider, have not been in unison and acted simultaneously.
As soon as the colt has improved sufficiently with the plain snaffle, then a twisted snaffle with another pair of reins may be used in conjunction with it. The
THE CANTER. 105
rider then takes two reins in each hand, and must take great care that the bearings npon the mouth are made with dehcacy and truth. If the colt prove headstrong, unruly, and difficult to be restrained with the snaffles alone, encircle the bits of both snaffles with a ring or curb chain, as recommended in the uses of the bit and snaffle.
In commencing the pace of the canter, be satisfied with having completed a short distance at one trial. Commence the canter from the extended trot, and at every suspension of the pace, bring the colt gradually to the halt. The abruptness of the full stop, and the sudden twists in sharp turns to the right hand and to the left, are certain to produce mischief in a very short time ; therefore, when you begin the lessons with the double snaffle, and afterwards with the bit and the snaffle, you cannot be too careful and delicate in these movements with a colt or untrained horse.
Finally, the rider must always bear in mind, that the fineness of mouth is not produced by lacerating the gums of the horse. The delicate and beautiful skin which covers them, is never so tender and sensitive after abrasion as before. The mouth of the colt has to be formed to the usage of the hand, as the hand is the
106 HORSEMANSHIP.
medium of the will of the rider. The hands of the mechanic are tender and delicate before the use of his tools has defaced them. Abrasions, contusions, and lacerations, instead of increasing the fineness of the skin of the hands, add much to the coarseness of their texture, but by correct usage they become sensitive to the slightest touch ; for the same reason, it is by very gentle and correct indications of the hands and of the legs, that the education of the colt is to be carried on and perfected, not by ponderous bits and rough treat- ment.
Young horses cannot be treated too gently, or with too much forbearance. Reason will not be found on the side of the horse, but it ought ever to be present on the part of the rider. He cannot be too careful of his method of riding ; for if the object of certain movements is the attainment of certain specific ends, there exists the greatest necessity that those movements be actually the correct indications of his own will. But if his hands, his legs, and his spurs move in every direction and upon every occasion, the rider must not expect such irregular action to be very intelligible to an irrational creature, when it proves to be so imperfect a development of his own wishes.
THE HORSE-BREAKER. 107
In almost every case, the callous mouth and the restive temper of the horse, are the results of ignorance, Avant of skill, and vindictive conduct in the rider.
The great characteristics of a good horsebreaker are intelligence, patient endurance, and great command of temper. His habits must not be intemperate, and his opinions of excellence must not be dogmatic. .With a man so constituted there is every guarantee against infirmity of disposition, and every prospect of high attainment in the true theory and practice of Horse- manship.
LESSON IX.
ON HORSE DEALING
Ill
LESSON IX.
ON HORSE DEALING.
Horse dealing is attended with many dangers, and subject to many losses. The highly artificial life to which we reduce the horse, and the abuse to which he is liable, render him subject to numerous diseases and sundry modes of death. These diseases may germinate and lurk in his system, at the moment when we are quite ignorant of their presence ; or the symptoms of distress may be too faint to excite suspicion, until the fatal moment be at hand, and it is too late to save a valuable life. For these reasons and the great liability to accidents, it is generally the best policy to sell the horse whenever a remunerative price be offered, instead of waiting to realise a greater amount ; and it is for the same reasons also, that the most experienced men may be deceived in their purchases, and robbed of the fruits of their bargains. Again, our general system of management is so vicious, and
112 HORSEMANSHIP.
our usual method of education so imperfect, thnt until a horse be thoroughly tried, it is impossible in many cases to determine the true nature and character that have resulted from the treatment of his previous life. The original constitution may have been sound in the highest degree, the primitive disposition and temper may have been of the kindliest nature; but it does not at all follow that they have remained so for any length of time. The lancet will drain the strongest fountain, and prostrate the finest constitution of body ; and tyranny will sour the mildest temper, and ruin the best disposition in the world. For these reasons it is always advisable to have several trials and searching examinations, before arriving at the determination to conclude the purchase of a horse.
Again, horse dealing is surrounded with moral im- pediments. There is a strong tendency to an impure moral atmosphere, surrounding the general transactions of dealings in horseflesh. The seller does not consider himself bound to divulge the real and bond fide reasons for the sale to the purchaser, and frequently he is as anxious to sell the horse to his most intimate relative and friend, as he is to the greatest stranger he may meet. Continued practice in dealing engenders a taste
RULES FOR rURCHASING. 113
for the pursuit ; and neither the love of the horse, nor the respect for the friend, will check it when once it takes possession of the mind.
This serious consideration renders the position of the professional and licensed horse-dealer of the greatest consequence. He has a reputation and a livelihood to gain and to uphold, and the man of sterling sense and character will find that right-mindedness in his acts of buying and selling will answer quite as well for him in dealing with horses, as the merchant does who deals in any material of legalised commerce. Always endeavour to place him in his true light, and make the transaction as palpable to his sense of honour, as it is to his pecuniary advantage. Thus the pro- fessional dealer will very generally become the true medium in horse dealing; and he will cause fewer words and less trouble than any other class of dealers.
In the purchase of a horse our first consideration is to please the eye, by the colour, the height, the countenance, the carriage, and the general contour ; then to determine the age, the sight, the absence of disease in wind and body, and the freedom of the limbs from excrescences, enlargements, blemishes, and
114 HORSEMANSHIP.
strains, the soundness and proper formation of the feet and legs, and the rotundity and symmetry of the body.
If circumstances will permit, our first critical ex- amination should take place in the stable ; and there we may find the true nature of his secretions, and learn if there be a tendency to crib-biting, wind-sucking, or a propensity to viciousness. In the stable also we invariably witness, when in a state of repose, the true external symptoms of organic disease in the pointed fore-leg, the continual shifting of one or the other of the fore-feet, and the spasmodic upheaving of the ribs, and the labouring flank ; therefore let every wliip be kept quiet, and every voice be silenced ; above all, do not allow the application of spiced condiments to excite the dormant faculties of the noble beast.
Observe the horse narrowly as he is turned round in his stall ; for if there be any derangement of the spine, this movement will generally exhibit it; and when brought to the light, let him pause at the threshold, and examine the ears, the eyes, the nostrils, the teeth, the chest, the arms, the knees, the fore-legs, and the hoofs. Some persons are extremely critical upon the size, shape, setting on, and motion of the ears.
GOOD INDICATIONS. 115
The ears should be of good size, but not too large, having a medium width, plenty of life, the erect and quick motion indicating activity and spirit. The ear always acts in unison with the eye, and is the certain index of the temper of the horse, betraying the inward meditations of malice or affection. The forehead should be broad, and the eyes of equal size and bril- liancy without spot or shadow. They must be per- fectly sensible of light, and of objects passing before them. This may be readily determined by waving the fingers close to each eye. The strength of the sight is proved by the liveliness of the winks. In the human eye it is proved by the contraction and dilatation of the iris of the eye ; and when this contraction and dilatation differ in intensity, so will the sight of one eye differ from the sight of the other. When the contraction and dilatation cease altogether, or rather when the pupil remains perfectly dilated without the power of contraction, then the retina is in a state of paralysis, and the sight is either totally lost, or in a very likely way of being so ; in the horse, the contraction and dilatation of the iris are not palpable to the spectator, because his own person is so forcibly reflected upon the pupil of the eye, as to obscure the effect of the sudden
116 HORSEMANSHIP.
admission of light falling upon the optic nerve. But if the eye be thus defective, the disease is known as imperfect and perfect amaurosis, both of which are produced bj the congestion of the minute blood- A^essels of the retina. Any cloudiness or opacity is the result of former or present inflammation, and may indicate the presence of cataract. One of the best means to detect the commencement of this disease, or the disease itself, is to exclude the daylight entirely from the stable, and to hold a lighted candle at such an angle to the eye as to expose the slightest speck or shade. Generally the eye will be better examined when the light is held near to the cheek, and rather underneath the line of the eye. In this light the healthy eye will appear as clear and pellucid as the purest water. The very large and prominent eye bespeaks indistinctness of vision, and is generally found in horses that shy and turn round upon meeting with strange objects. The hollow over the eye, or the depression of the roof of the orbit, is increased by age through the absorption of the fatty matter in which the eye is imbedded. This hollow is also common to young horses whose dams have been of great age at the period of gestation. The inner lining
THE AGE. 117
of the eyelids, and the eye itself, should be free from inflammation, ■which the colour of the membrane and bloodvessels will readily detect. It is an error to suppose the kind of eye, commonly known as wall- eye, will not be subject to disease and become blind.
The nostrils of the horse should be long and wide, the lining membrane being fine, elastic, and perfectly healthy in appearance. Any symptoms of inflamma- tion, undue secretion of mucus, or tendency to ulcera- tion, must be looked upon with the greatest suspicion. The lining membrane of the cartilage of the nostril exhibits a beautiful pale pink colour when in a state of perfect health.
The examination of the teeth ought to confirm our general prognostications of the true age of the horse. We should now determine it to a certainty ; but it does not at all follow that we shall be correct in our conjectures, with all the aid of our experience and wisdom. The teeth of the horse which must engage our attention are those situated in the front of the lower jaw ; but it must be always borne in mind that the symptoms of age vary very much in numerous instances. In some horses the difference is very great indeed, but generally the tusk will prove a truer index to the age
118 HORSEMAN SHIP.
than the teeth. In the colt, the front teeth or nippers have reached their maturity at twelve months old, and are six in number. The hollow and black cavities in the middle of the teeth now begin to denote the age. At one year old, the marks in the two middle teeth are nearly ground down. At one year and a half, they will be all but extinct, and the whole of the nippers will have worn away the outer or enamelled edges, and be reduced to smooth surfaces. At the age of two years or thereabouts, the nippers begin to be changed for the permanent teeth, commencing with the two centre nippers. At three years old, the two centre teeth are broader than the others, but not quite so high, having the black cavity deep, large, long, and narrow. At about three years and a half, the next nippers on each side of the centre teeth will be changed; and at four years and a half or five years old, the corner nippers will have gone also, and have been replaced by the permanent teeth. In the horse, the tusks or hishes begin to appear when about four years old, and are fully grown at six or thereabouts, but in mares they are not visible until the period of old age ; therefore the sex of the horse is known also by the mouth.
At six years old, the marks in the two centre teeth
EXAMINATION OF TEETH. 119
are worn out, or very nearly extinct, and the tusks are full grown, with very distinct grooves on their inside surfaces. At seven years of age, the cavities of the next teeth on each side of the centre ones have also disappeared, and the grooves in the tusks are becoming smaller. At eight years old, the marks in the teeth are nearly obliterated, and the grooves in the tusks are filling up. These grooves can be felt at nine or ten years old, when the tusks become perfectly round. If a person has not sufficient confidence in his general knowledge of the growth and appearances of the horse at the several periods of his age to determine if he be more than " seven or eight q^"," he will not be able to form any corroboration from the appearances of the grinders, simply for the very efficient reason, that he cannot get to see them. In most horses there is great difficulty in procuring a steady examination of the front teeth alone, but to inspect the grinders would require the use of both gags and mirrors.
The foal is born with two grinders in the upper and lower jaws. Before he is one month old, a third grinder has appeared, and by the time he is twelve months old the fourth grinder is far above the surface. At the end of two years the fifth grinder has grown out.
120 nORSEMANSHIP,
and at three years old the sixth grinder is distinctly visible. These are shed in the course of time for permanent teeth.
The throat or thropple of the horse should be largo, and the width between the jaws very great. Some persons are remarkably particular in trying the con- dition of the throat and the lungs by grasping the windpipe just behind the larynx, and consider it to be the very best method in detecting any derangement that may exist. This system is known as "coughing the horse." In the roarer, the cough produced by the constriction will be a long deep roar ; in the horse with broken wind, the cough will be short and husky j and in the horse with sound lungs, the cough will be full, long, and clear. A very slight compression with the fingers and thumb will produce the effect desired.
The neck should be moderately short and muscular, having a thin ridge and mane. The very long neck is objectionable to quick breathing, from the extreme dis- tance from the lungs. The shoulders should be set well back, having a good breadth across the points of the blades, such horses being freer in their breathing and in their paces. The points of the shoulders should
SPLINTS. 121
be round and not heavy ; tlie arms long and strong, with the elbows well away from the ribs. The knees should be firm, flat, broad, and large, without speck or blemish, not having any appearance of scurf on their insides. The legs, from the knees to the fetlocks, to be short and strong, having the sinews flat, strong, and very wiry to the touch : when the line of the sinew deviates from a perfectly straight line, it proves that it has been badly strained, or broken down. The legs must be free from any enlargements, windgalls, or excrescences. If there be an enlargement immediately below and on the inside of the knee, it has been caused by the frequent concussions from the opposite foot, and is known by the name of the speedy cut, because it is done when the horse is moving with rapidity. The horse with a speedy cut is generally safe to ride in the walk, and even in the canter ; but in the trot he is very dangerous ; sometimes falling from the effects of the blow, as if he were shot through the brain. Any en- largements of bony matter on the shanks are known as splints, and constitute unsoundness. The greater pro- portion of horses under seven years of age are fomid with one or more splints on the fore-legs. If they do not interfere Avith the action of the muscles, or threaten
122 HORSEMANSHIP.
to increase towards the sinews, tliej may prove of little consequence.
The pasterns to be strong and free from any enlarge- ment whatever, as ring-bones, or ossified cartilage. The pasterns should not be too upright to the feet, because the action is too abrupt, and such horses are more sub- ject to foot-founder. When the pasterns are long, and placed in a very sloping direction, the action of the horse will be very elastic and pleasant, but the sinews are very weak, and such horses break down readily with any unexpected or extra exertion. The feet to be round and full, but not too large, perfectly free from sand-cracks, and of equal sides. As long as sand-cracks exist, they are fatal to the safety of the horse, because the sudden and violent concussion of the foot upon a hard road at a rapid pace expands the openings in the hoof, and the collapse that instantaneously results some- times incloses the fine vessels or nerves of the sensible foot in the clefts. This result produces lameness and inflammation; and it is also impossible to keep the cracks free from fine sand or dirt. The hoofs of the feet should make an angle of about 45° with the soles. The heels should be very open, having the frogs sound and free from thrush or fracture. If one side of the fros does
EXTERNAL ANATOMY. 123
not correspond with the other, or the centre of the frog present the appearance of crumbling to pieces, it proves that disease has been the cause. The soles of the feet to be rather hollow or concave, very firm upon pressure, and free from brittleness. The presence of corns renders the horse unsound.
The chest of the horse should be very deep, with deep heart-ribs, so that the lungs and heart may have ample room to expand.
The horse is now led from the stable, and placed for a thorough examination in the yard. The colour, height, countenance, carriage, and the general figure of the horse are mere matters of taste, therefore need not be expatiated upon.
The arm and foreleg should be quite straight with the knee. Any deviation from the right line proves a palpable weakness of the knees, and may be either the result of hard work or hereditary. The back to be moderately long, straight, and well ribbed up with a good breadth across the loins. The short back will have greater endurance, and the long back will possess greater speed. The flat-sided horse generally has im- perfect powers of digestion, therefore unfitted to endure fatigue, and incapable of recovering speedily from great
124 HORSEMANSHIP,
exhaustion. The hind quarters should be long, having the hip-bones very wide apart, well rounded, and not at all angular. The thighs ought to be very long and strong to the hocks ; the hocks themselves very large, and developing great strength. They must be free from spavin, curb, or thorough-pin. In examining the hocks for spavin, place yourself immediately in front of the fore-legs, and, stooping down, look between them to see the clear outline of the hocks. Any undue enlargement appearing, it will prove to be either a blood or a bone spavin. The blood spavin is an aneurism of the blood- vessels of the hock, and the bone spavin is an excres- cence of bony matter that generally interferes with or paralyses the action of the joint of the hock. The curb is found on the back part of the hock, therefore is more plainly seen when viewed from the side of the horse. The hind part of the leg, from the cap of the hock to hind part of the fetlock, should form a perfectly straight line. Any deviation from it on the lower part of the hock bespeaks the presence of curb. The thorough-pin in its first stages is nothing more than a windgall of the hock. Eventually the humours become ossified.
The thighs or buttocks should be rather wide apart, and the hocks a very little inclined inwards : the hind
TROTTING OUT. 125
logs from the hocks to the fetlocks very long and strong ; the fetlocks and pasterns quite free from enlargements, and possesshig great power.
In putting the horse through his paces, be positive to have his head held with a very loose rein. If possible, do not allow any excitement to be used in the flourish and cracking of whips, or the rattling of hats, &c. The pace of the walk should be bold and free. The knee to be well bent, and the foot raised clear from the ground, and darted straight to the front, placing it down without any flinching or hesitation. When the hind-feet well overstep the fore-feet, it bespeaks the horse to have good or even great speed. The walk is generally con- sidered the sure index to all the other paces. In the trot the fore-leg should be well raised and thrown straight to the front ; any deviation is an imperfection. Nevertheless many persons prefer that the feet have a slight turn outwards before they be placed on the ground. Be careful to have the horse trotted out on rough pavement, with his head quite free.
Having satisfied yourself in your examination, mount the horse in the stable yard, and proceed to try him on the roads both in town and country. In emerging from the stable yard, allow the horse to choose his own
126 HORSEMANSHIP-
direction ; and, as soon as he has selected the road, immediately compel him to go in the opposite direction. Pursue this plan throughout the ride wherever a number of roads meet. Should he be vicious, he will generally prove it by rearing or plunging in the endeavour to gain his own ends. Bring him frequently in contact with other horses, and part with them abruptly. Their presence will prove whether he possesses any of the characteristics of the entire horse, and the sudden sepa- ration will tend to try his temper or show his docility. Ride at a rapid trot past carts and carriages, and observe if he exhibit alarm at their near approach. The horse that is perpetually shying is not only dis- agreeable, but dangerous also.
In the gallop allow the head to be perfectly free. The roarer will then be soon detected. Any imper- fection in the breathing is an unsoundness. When the horse is in motion, there is a j)eculiar muscular con- traction of the nostrils, which indicates distress if the lungs are not in a healthy condition. These trials being concluded, there remains the consideration that the tricks of the trade are various and many. Among the chief are bish oping or re-marking the nippers ; punching out the foal's teeth, and filing others ; dosing
TRICKS OF THE TRADE. 127
horses havino- unsound wind with charo;GS of shot ; and giving nauseating medicine to the restive or spirited horse, to render him perfectly tractable and docile. Besides which, the well-adapted hair-dye will conceal numerous blemishes in the external appearance of the horse.
Having now completed this series of instructions in the various matters appertaining to the art of horseman- ship, I hope that little is omitted which may be found necessary in attaining a perfect knowledge of the subject.
Long- continued practice, and a love of the horse, have made me feel how much was wanted in the way of humane and concise rules for the management of the noble animal to whom man is so greatly indebted. Ought we not to learn with care and attention how to treat the faithful creature who bears us nobly in the battle front, who administers to our pleasures in the chase, relieves our toil, and performs an incredible amount of the labour by which the vast machinery of commerce is kept in motion for the benefit only of the human race ?
128 HORSEMANSHIP.
If I have succeeded in simplifying the rules already known, of impressing more fully the feelings of attach- ment to the horse already in existence, and in setting up another indication of the proper mode of acquiring the art of riding, and giving confidence to the beginner, I shall feel that this little volume has performed a useful part, and has not been produced in vain.
LESSON X.
ON THE TEETH OF THE HORSE,
LESSON X.
ON TIIK TEETH OF THE DOUSE.
ONE YEAR OLD.
The colt at one year old lias his full conipleinent of teeth, six in the upper and six in the lower jaw. These are called the tem])orary, or milk teeth. The two centre nippers arc })artially worn down, the two lateral
teeth are less so, and the outside ni])pers are but little worn, having the cavities deep and long. The cavities in the centre nippers arc less distinct than in any of the others, but they are still long, narrow, and black.
These cavities in the teeth of the lower jaw constitute
132 HORSEMANSHIP.
what is called " the mark in the mouth,^^ and are looked upon generally as being the best criterion by which to judge of the age of the horse. The gradual wearing down of the permanent teeth obliterates this " marhy^ and when it is not palpable in any of them the horse is pronounced to be aged. In colts the tusks, or " tushes" do not make their appearance until past three years old, and in mares they are not visible until the period of old age.
TWO YEARS OLD. At the age of two years all the surfaces of the teeth
are considerably worn down, so that in the four centre nippers the " 7nark " is nearly obliterated, and the outer
DENTITION. 133
edges of the other two are much reduced. Between two and three years of age the colt sheds the two centre nippers, and these are replaced by the permanent teeth.
THREE YEARS OLD.
At three years old the colt, havmg shed the two centre milk nippers, has now two permanent teeth.
These will not be at their full growth till the colt is nearly four years old. The "wiarA;," therefore, is fresh, deep, and black, but in the remaining milk teeth it is obliterated. The gums show the near approach of the lateral teeth, and the tusks now mark their exact position.
134
HORSEMANSHIP.
FOUR YEARS OLD.
At four years old the colt, having shed the lateral milk nippers, has now
four permanent teeth. The centre teeth are partially worn, but pre- sent the mark deep, long, and black. The outside milk nippers are worn down, having the "mark" quite ob- literated. The tusks are now through, presentin points upright and sharp.
\i W\W"
their
FIVE YEARS OLD. At five years of age the horse has his six permanent teeth. The centre nippers are much / worn, but still show the "mark;" the lateral teeth are partially worn, and present the cavities deep, long, and black ;
DENTITION.
135
the tusks arc much grown, but do not arrive at maturity until the age of six years. The title of colt has now merged into that of horse, and that of filly into mare.
SIX YEARS OLD. At six years old the " mark " in the centre teeth is obliterated ; a deep shade stains the teeth ; but, gene-
rally speaking, the long black cavity is extinct. The surfaces of the lateral teeth are much worn, and the edges of the outer nippers are becoming smooth. The tusks have now attained their full growth, and are nearly an inch in length. Their outer surfaces are round and convex, having the edges and points sharp. The inner surfaces are partially concave and grooved.
136
HORSEMANSHIP.
At six years old the profile of the mouth exhibits the teeth in a firm and upright position, which is gradually lost as the animal increases in age.
SEVEN YEARS OLD. At seven years old the " mark " in the two lateral teeth is also extinct, or very nearly so, and the outer nippers are much worn, but show the mark clear and dis- tinct. The tusks are becoming more round- ed at the edges and at the points, and are less grooved on their insides.
|
DENTITION. 137 |
|
|
EIGHT YEARS OLD. |
|
|
At eight years old the |
''mark'' is obliterated, or |
|
very nearly so, in the whole of the teeth. Instances |
|
|
frequently occur in which |
the "mark'" will remain |
|
fr-esh and distinct in the outer nippers ; but the blunt- |
|
|
ness of the tusks, the roundness of their edges, and the |
|
|
^Px |
|
|
HI |
p^ |
|
\^B'"' |
J |
|
i ^^^K ,» ill ill 1 1 1 |
->i^j3\ |
|
w |
f |
|
filling up of the grooves. |
must guide to a correct |
|
judgment. At this period |
they have an inclination |
|
outwards. |
138
HORSEMANSHIP.
OLD AGE.
In extreme age, the profile of the mouth presents the teeth as elongated, and with a strong tendency to tlie horizontal. The gums have receded and wasted
away, the tusks are worn to stumps, and project directly outwards. The teeth are yellow, and covered with tartar, more particularly those parts of them which had been covered by the gums. These are the last changes that take place, and the noble animal has now but little power left for man's service, but has a strong claim upon his kindness and consideration.
|
INDEX. |
|
|
Acclivities, ascending, 63. |
Gallop, the, 23. |
|
Aids, the, 11. |
Greenwood, Colonel, on turning |
|
the Horse, 13. |
|
|
Bandages, wet and dry, after |
|
|
hunting, 71. 73. Linen Ban- |
Hands, steady, necessary, 30. |
|
dages, 77. |
Head, the Horse's, when carried |
|
Banks, or Acclivities, 63. |
too high, 28. When too low. |
|
Breaking in the Colt, 97—107. |
29. |
|
Bridle, Double-rein, 35. |
Hedges, staked, 60. Treatment |
|
Brooks, leaping, 61. |
of Wounds from, 60. |
|
Heels, the, 122. |
|
|
Canter, the, 20. The German |
Hoofs, the, 122. |
|
Practice, 20, note. |
Horse-breakers, 1 07. |
|
Changing the leading Leg, 22. |
Horse-dealing, 109—128. Tricks |
|
Directions for Ladies, 90. |
of the Trade, 126, |
|
Chest of the Horse, 123. |
|
|
Colts,, breaking in, 97—107. |
Intellect of the Horse, 3. |
|
Corns, 123. |
|
|
" Coughing the Horse," 120. Crib-biters, 71. |
Kicking, 49. |
|
Dismounting, 24. 42. Dismount- |
Ladies, Instructions on Riding |
|
ing without Stirrups, 33. Di- |
for, 81—96. |
|
rections for Ladies, 95. |
Leaping, 47. In Fox-hunting, |
|
Ditches, leaping, 61. |
58. The Timber-leap, 59. Five- |
|
barred Gates, 59. Staked |
|
|
Ears of the Horse, 115. |
Hedges, 60. Thorn Fences, |
|
Eyes of the Horse, 115. |
61. Stone Walls, 61. Brooks |
|
and Ditches, 61. Banks or |
|
|
Feet of the Horse, 122. |
Acclivities, 63. Directions for |
|
Fences, thorn, 60. |
Ladies, 94. |
|
Five barred Gates, leaping, 59. |
Legs of the Horse, 121. |
|
Fording Streams, 64. |
Legs, pressure of the Rider's, 12. |
|
Forehead of the Horse, 115. |
Longeing, 99. |
|
Fox-hunting, Directions for, 53. |
|
|
End of the Chase, 65. Treat- |
" Mark, the," 132, et seq. |
|
ment of the Horse after hunt- |
Martingale, Evils of the, 29. |
|
ing, 67. |
When allowable, 101. |
|
140 INDEX. |
|
|
Mounting, Directions for, 7. 37. |
Starting round about, 49. |
|
Mounting without Stirrups, 27. |
Stirrups, mounting without, 27. |
|
Mounting for Fox-hunting, 55, |
Dismounting without, 33. |
|
Mounting for Ladies, 85. |
Ladies' Stirrups, 85. |
|
Mouth, fineness of, 39. |
Stone Walls, leaping, 61. |
|
Swimming, 64. |
|
|
Neck of the Horse, 120. |
|
|
Nostrils of the Horse, 117. |
Teeth of the Horse, 117—119. |
|
At one Year old, 131. At two |
|
|
Pasterns, the, 122. |
Years, 132. At three Years, |
|
Position, when mounted, 8, 9. |
133. At four Years, 134. At |
|
Purchasing Horses, Rules for, 113. |
five Years, 134. At six Years, |
|
135. At seven Years, 136. At |
|
|
Rearing, 48. |
eight Years, 137. In Old Age, |
|
Reining backwards, 17. Direc- |
138. |
|
tions for Ladies, 89. |
Throat, or Thropple, 120. |
|
Reins, tightening the, 41. |
Trot, the, 18. Instructions in |
|
Roarer, the, 120. 126. |
trotting for Ladies, 93. |
|
Running away, 42. |
Turning the Horse, 13. Direc- |
|
tions for Ladies, 88. |
|
|
Saddle, the Lady's, 84. |
|
|
Sand-cracks, 122. |
Walking, Directions for, 11. Di- |
|
Shoeing, 69. |
rections for Ladies, 87. |
|
Shoulders of the Horse, 120. |
Water, cold, after hunting, 71. |
|
Shying, 49. |
Application of, to inflamed |
|
Snaffle -bridle. Management of |
Limbs, 74. |
|
the, 7. |
Wheaten Flour, Use of, after |
|
" Speedy Cut," 121. |
hunting, 70. |
|
Splints, 121. |
Wounds of the Head, Face, &c., |
|
Spur, the, 47. |
Treatment of, 77. |
|
THE |
END. |
|
London: Spottiswoodes an |
d Shaw, New-street- Square. |
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