CHAPTER IV.

SECTION I.-On the Management of the Horse.

BEFORE treating of the horse's paces, we deem it proper to say a few words on the subject of animations, caresses, corrections, &c.

A gentle pressure of the legs, a kind word from the rider, or switching the whip, animates the horse.

Caresses are employed to dispel the fears of the animal and to give him confidence, or show him that the rider is satisfied with his performance.

These can be effected by the rider speaking to the horse in a kind, mild tone; relinquishing the pressure of the legs, and patting or stroking his neck.

Corrections are whipping, spurring, and speaking sharply to the horse.

Instead, however, of spurring or whipping the horse too much, to correct him in his movements, the rider should oppose him by restraint and make him perform directly the contrary. For example: if the horse backs contrary to the will of the rider, he should first apply the whip or spurs; if, by that means, he does not succeed in urging him forward, he must be assisted in his backing until he becomes heartily tired of it. Likewise, if the horse is disposed to turn around and around, the rider should also help him in that, if the contrary means (applying the opposite spur and rein) are ineffectual.

If a horse is unwilling to move forward, the rider should make him passage or go sidewise to the right or left, then urge him to the front.

When the whip is employed as a chastisement, it should be applied smartly around the belly behind the girth, or over the shoulders; but never over the head.

Some horses disregard the spurs but fly at the whip, and vice versa. The rider, consequently, should use that which is best calculated to produce the desired effect. If either or both fail, and the horse is found to be decidedly obstinate and restive, we would recommend to the rider to part with him immediately, or at least, not attempt to conquer him effectually under the saddle; for it must be within the knowledge of every horseman, or dealer in horses, that a tricky, mulish, or restive horse, may be partially subdued and broken, but at some subsequent period will renew his old mischievous capers.

In all corrections and chastisements, the rider should endeavor rather to work upon the mind than the body of the horse.

SECTION II.-The Walk.

(See Plate XI.)

In this pace there are four distinct treads or beats, marked as each foot touches the ground.

First, the right or off fore foot; secondly, the left

*This order is reversed when the near fore foot commences the movement.

or near hind foot; thirdly, the near or left fore foot; and lastly, the right or off hind foot.

This pace is performed with the least exertion to the horse, only one foot at a time being off the ground.

The horse should put the feet flatly to the ground, in regular time, his steps being quick and animated, and measuring exact distances.

To perfect the horse in the walk, the rider should be steady in his seat, animate him with the legs or whip, and sustain him with the bridle hand.

If the rein is drawn too tight, the horse will be thrown upon his haunches, thereby diminishing the stride; if too slack, he will extend his neck, carry his head low, be inattentive to his steps, move slovenly, and occasionally stumble.

If the horse is too much urged, he will trot.

SECTION III.-Turns in the Walk.

All turns should be made slowly, combining the aid of the legs with a firm and steady bridle hand.

In executing the turns with the bridoon or snaffle reins separated, the hand to the side the turn is made, should be carried out and a little lower than the other, which must be kept in the original position for the purpose of supporting the horse after the turn is made. The elbows, of course, should be close to the body.

With the full bridle (bit and bridoon), or the snaffle reins crossed in either hand, the hand should be carried

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forward, slightly raised, and then to the side; all comprehending but one motion.

In these turns, the horse must be sustained by gently applying the means of turning to the right after the turn to the left is executed; and vice versa turning to the right. This principle must be observed in all the movements of the horse, and throughout all the paces.*

*

The rider must now perceive that the horse makes the turns or wheels upon three distinct pivots; his centre, on his fore feet and on his hind feet; and that he directs these movements, before his own person, by the bridle hand, and behind it by the spurs or whip.

The aids of the bridle hand and legs must correspond, and with a degree of force necessary only to carry them into effect.

If the force is insufficient, the horse will merely advance or describe a circle, or an arc of one, much larger than the rider intends. On the contrary, if the hand is abrupt, and the leg not applied to support him, he will interfere and trip himself.

At the termination of these turns or wheels, the bridle hand and legs must instantly resume their proper or original position.

The utility and necessity of the turns upon the horse's own centre, will appear more obvious in the quicker paces, and when the rider is fencing or using the sabre in the saddle.

* For a fuller explanation of these principles, see the gallop.

The greatest precision and delicacy are requisite in the application of the aids. If one leg is closer than the other, the horse will throw his haunches out or in, which will cause a shortening of the step in one of the hind legs, and consequently the stride will be diminished and the cadence lost.

SECTION IV.-Stops.
(See Plate XV.)

In ordinary riding, the stop or halt is made gradually, and without shock to the rider or horse.

To stop a horse without injury to himself or the rider, his haunches should be brought under him by closing the legs, and the rein drawn firmly and steadily, and the rider clinging or embracing the horse with his legs and throwing himself somewhat in the cantle, without pressing in the stirrups.

If the rider can halt within a space of eight feet from a full gallop, and maintain his position, it will show the superiority of the bridle hand over the horse, and should be termed the very acme of horsemanship.*

*

Were the rider to approach suddenly and unexpectedly the brink of a precipice, a gully, or any other obstacle, he would then discover (perhaps too late) how indispensably necessary it is, not only to be a scientific horse

*The accomplished horseman can, in a few trials, train his horse to this perfection in the halt.