126 RIDING 



that horses are often abused for being light-hearted, when just 

 a little firm close riding for a few minutes after starting is all 

 that is needed. This does not apply to a horse that has 

 acquired the habit of bucking every time he is mounted, con- 

 cerning which something will be said farther on, but only to the 

 case of a horse being a little fresh, and above himself from being 

 short of work. 



There are differences of opinion as to what sort of punish- 

 ment, when punishment is really necessary, is the more effec- 

 tive, whip or spurs. As to this no rule can be laid down. It 

 depends upon the disposition of the horse, and what he has 

 to be punished for. In the first place, the rider should be per- 

 fectly certain that the horse thoroughly understands what is 

 required of him, and that the obstinacy or idleness does not 

 arise from any defect in the bitting, from the fitting of any of 

 his appointments, or from any physical disability to do what is 

 asked of him. If the rider thinks the horse has been brought 

 on too quickly from one lesson to another, and that he refuses 

 in consequence, take him back if necessary to the beginning, 

 but as soon as he has convinced himself that the horse perfectly 

 understands what is required of him, and that it is only from 

 obstinacy or cunningness to get out of his work that he refuses, 

 then the sooner he is punished the better. The common fault 

 here is that, when the punishment is inflicted, the rider has 

 worked himself up into a temper, and is not in a fit state to 

 inflict it with discretion, in which case it is better left alone 

 till it can be done coolly. In most cases, where punishment is 

 necessary, it .is to be traced to the horse being behind the hand, 

 that is to say, not sufficiently obedient to the aids of the rider's 

 hands and legs. Instead of the rider having a light feeling of 

 his horse's mouth, which he always should have in all his paces, 

 the horse hangs as it were between his legs, and keeps the bit 

 loose in his mouth, without ever taking hold of it. If an at- 

 tempt be made to rein him back, and get hold of him in that way, 

 he lowers his head and runs back, or throws his head up and 

 rears ; if he be put into a trot, and the rider tries to urge him 



