12 SYSTEM FOE TRAmiNG CAVALEY HORSES. 



is a yeiy difficult matter, requiring miicli tliouglit, 

 mucli practice, and not only a good head, but a good 

 temper ; mere force, and a want of skill and coolness, 

 tend to confirm vice and restiveness. Resistance in 

 horses is often a mark of strength and vigor, and 

 proceeds from high spirits; but punishment would 

 turn it into vice. 



Weakness frequently drives horses into being vicious 

 when any thing wherein strength is necessary is re- 

 quired of them. Great care should be taken to dis- 

 tinguish from which of these causes the opposition 

 arises. 



It is impossible in general to be too circumspect 

 in lessons of all kinds, for horses find out many ways 

 and means of opposing what you demand of them. 

 Many will imperceptibly gain a little every day on 

 their rider ; he must, however, always treat them 

 kindly, at the same time sho\ving that he does not 

 fear them, and will be master. 



Plunging is very common amongst restive horses. 

 If they continue to do it in one place, or backing, 

 they must be, by the rider's legs and whip firmly ap- 

 plied, obliged to go forward ; but, if they do it fly- 

 ing forward, keep them back, and ride them gently, 

 and very slow, for a good time together. Of all bad 

 tempers in horses, that which is occasioned by harsh 

 treatment and ignorant riders is the worst. 



Hearing is a bad vice, and, in weak horses especi- 

 ally, a dangerous one ; whilst the horse is up, the 



