212 MODERN FARRIER. 



wise one equally continued tension of reins would 

 render both the rider's hand and the horse's mouth 

 very dull. The slightest and frequent giving and 

 taking is therefore necessary to keep both perfect. 



Whatever pace or degree of quickness, you work 

 in (be it ever so fast, or ever so slow), it must be ca- 

 densed : time is as necessary for a horseman as for a 

 musician. 



This lesson of the head and of the tail to the wall 

 must be taught every soldier : scarce any manoeuvre 

 can be well performed without it. In closing and 

 opening of files, it is almost every moment wanted. 



115. Curing Starting and other Vices. 



In order to make horses stand fire, the sound of 

 drums, and all sorts of different noises, you must use 

 them to it by degrees in the stable at feeding time ; 

 and instead of being frightened at it, they will soon 

 come to it as a signal for eating. 



With regard to such horses as are afraid of burn- 

 ing objects, begin by keeping them still at a certain 

 distance from some lighted straw ; caress the horse ; 

 and in proportion as his fright diminishes, approacii 

 gradually the burning straw very gently, and in- 

 crease the size of it. By these means he will very 

 quickly be brought to be so familiar with it, as to 

 walk undaunted even through it. 



As to horses that are apt to lie down in the water, 

 if animating them, and attacking them vigorously, 

 should fail of the desired effect, then break a straw- 

 bottle full of water upon their heads, and let the'| 

 water run into their ears, which is a thing they 

 apprehend very much. 



All troop-horses must be taught to stand quiet 

 and still when they are shot off from, to stop the:, 

 moment you present, and not to move after firingl 

 till they are required to do it; this lesson ought i 

 especially to be observed in light troops : in short,i 

 the horse must be taught to be so cool and undisf 



