MODERN FAHRIER. 187 



soldier: but by the other detestable methods that 

 are commonly used, a man, instead of improAdng, 

 contracts all sorts of bad habits, and rides worse and 

 worse every day ; the horse too becomes daily more 

 and more unfit for use. In proceeding according to 

 the manner proposed, a man is rendered firm and 

 easy upon the horse, both his own and the horse's 

 sensibility is preserved, and each in a situation fit to 

 receive and practise all lessons effectually. 



Every horse should be accustomed to stand still 

 when he is mounted. One would imagine this 

 might be readily granted ; yet we see how much 

 the contrary is practised. When a gentleman 

 mounts at a livery stable, the groom takes the horse 

 by the bit, which he bends tight round his under 

 jaw : the horse striving to go on, is forced back : 

 advancing again, he frets, as he is again stopped 

 short, and hurt by the manner of holding him. The 

 rider, in the mean time, mounting without the 

 bridle, or at least holding it but slightly, is helped 

 to it by the groom, v/ho being thoroughly employed 

 by the horse's fluttering, has at the same time both 

 bridle and stirrup to give. This confusion would 

 be prevented, if every horse was taught to stand 

 still when he is mounted. Forbid your groom 

 therefore, when he rides your horse to water, to 

 throw himself over him from a horse-block, and 

 kick him with his leg, even before he is fairly upon 

 him. This wrong manner of mounting is what 

 chiefly teaches your horse the vicious habit against 

 which we are here warning. On the other hand, a 

 constant practice of mounting in the proper manner 

 is all that is necessary to prevent a horse's going on 

 till the rider is quite adjusted in the saddle. 



The next thing necessary therefore is, that the 

 rider should mount properly. The common method 

 is to stand near the croup or hinder part of the horse, 

 with the bridle held very long in the right hand. 

 By this manner of holding the bridle before you 



