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Rural School Leaflet 



V. DRIVING 



In driving, the manner of holding the lines is very important since it 

 is necessary to preserve the natural sensitiveness of the horse's mouth. 

 The lines shovdd be held in the left hand, the left line coming into the hand 

 over the forefinger and the right one between the middle and the ring 

 fingers. The guiding of the horse is done with the right hand, which also 

 carries the whip. The reins should be held so that the horse can feel the 

 bit, but to pull on the lines more than is necessary develops a hard mouth, 

 which makes the horse difficult to control. On the other hand, if the lines 

 hang loosely, the horse soon becomes careless in his action. Many drivers 



Team of Shetland ponies 



have a habit of jerking at the lines to excite the horse to increase his speed. 

 This is a bad practice and soon destroys the natural sensitiveness of the 

 animal's mouth. 



In working a horse few signals should be used. These shotdd be used 

 to mean exactly the same thing at all times. Signals or commands 

 should be given gently, but firmly, and should always be carried out. 



Whoa should always mean to sto]3, and nothing else; it should not 

 mean to go slow or steadily, or even to get ready to stop. 



Steady should be used when it is desired to have the horse go slowly 

 or steadily. 



Back should always mean to move backward, and should not mean 

 to stop. 



