REARING. 263 



With these objects in view we should, when a horse rears, 

 bend forward as much as possible ; lower the left hand for 

 choice, as horses usually turn more readily to that side than 

 to the right ; and try to turn the animal to the left with the 

 snaffle rein, while leaving the off rein slack, so as to avoid 

 exerting any pressure in a backward direction on the horse's 

 mouth. If the horse gets very straight up, it may be 

 dangerous to feel his mouth at all with the reins, and we 

 may have to content ourselves with catching hold of the 

 mane or even clutching the horse round the neck, ready 

 to slip off to one side in case he comes over. When 

 in this position, we should grip tightly with the knees, 

 so as not to put weight on the stirrups, which in such a 

 case might come out of the spring bars and thus cause 

 us to part company with our mount. While the horse is 

 playing up, it is generally safest to keep the feet away from 

 his sides. 



If we have a few minutes to spare, we can generally 

 bring the animal under control, by getting off; taking the 

 near reins close to the bit in the left hand, and making the 

 horse circle round by touching him smartly on the hocks 

 and gaskins with a whip or cane. When he answers this 

 indication on the right side in a lively manner, we should 

 teach him to do so, on the other side. If we then mount 

 him and hold the rein and whip or stick as in Fig. 28, or 

 in the left hand, and give him another turning lesson, we 

 shall generally find that the practical application of this 

 instruction will act as an effective defence against the horse's 

 trick of getting up on his hind legs. The turning lesson 

 is simply a rough and ready way of teaching the turn on the 

 forehand (p. 240). 



Hitting a rearer between the ears with a stick or bottle 

 full of water, as is sometimes recommended, is a barbarous 

 practice which is apt to make him break his knees, may 



