208 MODERN FARRIER. 



horse ; but afterwards when they are grown more 

 intelhgent, they should go alone. At the end of 

 the lesson, rein back ; then put the horse, by a little 

 at a time forwards, by approaching both legs gently 

 to his sides, and playing with the bridle : if he rears, 

 push him out immediately into a full trot. Shaking 

 the eavesson on the horse's nose, and also putting 

 one's self before Iiim and rather near to him, will 

 generally make him back, though he otherwise re- 

 fuse to do it: and moreover a slight use and ap- 

 proaching of the rider's legs will sometimes be 

 necessary in backing, in order to prevent the horse 

 from doing it too much upon his shoulders ; but the 

 pressure of the legs ought to be very small, and 

 taken quite away the moment that he puts himself 

 enough upon his haunches. If the horse does not 

 back upon a straight line properly, the rider must 

 not be permitted to have recourse immediately to 

 his leg, and so distort himself by it : but first try, if 

 crossing over his hand and reins to which ever side 

 it may be necessary, will not be alone sufficient : 

 which most frequently it will ; if not, then employ 

 the leg. M 



After a horse is well prepared and settled, and | 

 goes freely on in all his several paces, he ought to | 

 be in all his works kept, to a proper degree, upon J 

 his haunches, with his hinder legs well placed under ^f 

 him ; whereby he will be always pleasant to himself V 

 and his rider, will be light in hand, and ready to j 

 execute whatever may be demanded of him, with j 

 facility, vigour, and quickness. 



The common method that is used in forcing a horse 

 sidewise, is a most glaring absurdity, and \eiy hurt- 

 ful to the animal in its consequences : for instead of 

 suppling him, it obliges him to stiffen and defend 

 himself, and often makes a creature that is naturally 

 benevolent, restive, frightened, and vicious. 



For horses who have very long and high fore- 

 hands, and who poke out their noses, a running 



