42 HORSEMANSHIP. 



standing martingale, may be used, due regard being paid 

 to the nature of the work the horse is called upon to do. 



Goi7tg up and down hill. — If the ascent be steep, catch 

 hold of the mane with one hand, lean well forward, grip 

 the saddle tightly with the knees, avoid putting any 

 weight on the stirrups, for doing so would be very apt to 

 cause the saddle to shift its position backwards, and leave 

 the reins perfectly loose. The horse may be allowed to 

 take a zigzag course. When going down a steep hill, 

 take a good hold of the horse's head, so as to make him 

 get his hind quarters under him, grip tightly with the 

 legs, draw the feet back, lean as far back as possible, 

 and let the horse go straight down, and not obliquely. 

 If he happens to slip when proceeding In the former 

 manner, he will. In all probability, merely let himself 

 down on his hind quarters ; while if in the latter, he may 

 fall on his side and roll over. 



Swimming the horse. — Take the feet out of the 

 stirrups, leave the reins slack, and hold on by the mane. 

 Or, get off the saddle, and hold on by the pommel or 

 by the mane with one hand, while with the other one try 

 to guide the horse to one side by lightly touching the 

 reins, and to the other side by splashing him with water. 

 Or, hold on to the tail. 



