MODERN FARIlIEll. 213 



turbed, as to suffer the rider to act upon him with 

 the same freedom, as if he was on foot. Patience, 

 coolness and temper are the only means requisite 

 for accomplishing this end. Begin by walking the 

 horse gently, then stop and keep him from stirring 

 for some time, so as to accustom him by degrees not 

 to have the least idea of moving without orders : if 

 he does, then back him ; and when you stop him, 

 and he is quite still, leave the reins quite loose. 



To use a horse to fire-arms, first put a pistol or a 

 carbiiie in the manger with his feed : then use him 

 to the sound of the lock and the pan ; after which, 

 when you are upon him, show the piece to him, 

 presenting it forwards, sometimes on one side, some- 

 times on tlie other : when he is thus far reconciled, 

 proceed to flash in the pan ; after which put a small 

 charge into the piece, and so continue augmenting 

 it by degrees to the quantity which is commonly 

 used : if he seems uneasy, walk him forward a few 

 steps slowly ; and then stop, back, and caress him. 

 Horses are often also disquieted and unsteady at the 

 clash, and drawing, and returning of swords ; all 

 which they must be familiarised to by little and 

 little, by frequency and gentleness. 



As horses are naturally apt to be frightened at 

 the sight and smell of dead horses, it is adviseable 

 to habituate them to walk over and leap over car- 

 cases of dead horses ; and as they are particularly 

 terrified at this sight, the greater gentleness ought 

 consequently to be used. 



Horses should also be accustomed to swim, which 

 often may be necessary on service ; and if the men 

 and horses both are not used to it, both may be fre- 

 quently liable to perish in the water. A very small 

 portion of strength is sufficient to guide a horse, 

 any where indeed, but particularly in the water, 

 where they must be permitted to have their heads, 

 and be no-ways constrained in any shape. 



