HORSES BITTED. 27 



of the snaffle, ease your hand and make much of 

 him. 



After practising the lateral bendings with the bit, 

 and the vertical ones with the snaffle, for a few min- 

 utes, the instructor will order the men to mount and 

 go through with the same lessons mounted. 



To the right, by passing the second finger of the 

 right hand through the bit and snaffle-reins well 

 down ; so as to have the reins short on the off side. 

 Then draw them quietly toward you till you get the 

 horse's head completely round to the right, in the 

 same position as in the bend dismounted ; being care- 

 ful not to try to accomplish too much at first. Be 

 very gentle and patient, giving the horse time to com- 

 prehend by degrees what is required of him. When 

 the horse champs the bit, make much of him, and 

 allow him to resume his natural position. 



"When bending the head to the left, pass the right 

 hand over the left one, and, placing the forefinger 

 through the near reins, proceed as before directed. 



Then, to teach the horse, on the reins being felt, to 

 rein up, arch his neck, and bring his nose into J^o. 

 10 (vide plate 4), and there remain steady till he is 

 allowed to get his head away again by the rider loos- 

 ening the reins. At the word, '' Bein in your Horses ^'^ 

 turn the little finger of the bridle hand toward the 

 horse's head, lowering the hand as much as possible, 

 ' and keep it there ; with the right hand, nails down, 

 take hold of the bit-reins close within the grasp of 



