278 RESTIVEXESS ; ITS PREVENTION AND CURE. 



evil consequences of which are enhanced a thousand- 

 fold if you attempt to mount your horse under such 

 circumstances. Of course, when shyness arises from 

 defective vision, which is often the case, this method 

 will be of no avail. 



But to continue : After a day or two the trainer puts 

 a saddle on the horse, and the surcingle over it, and 

 will then soon proceed to lounge it, which he gene- 

 rally does single-handed, a point to be borne in mind. 

 For general purposes he will endeavour, by gentle 

 means, to get the j^oung horse to settle down into a 

 trot as soon as possible,* and in proportion as the ani- 

 mal takes kindly to trotting, his trainer will shorten 

 the snaffle-reins somewhat, so as to encourage the 

 animal to lean more and more on the bit, taking care, 

 however, not to make them so short as to prevent the 

 horse stretching itself well out, and bringing the pro- 

 pelling action of the pasterns of its hind legs into 

 jDlay.t This first lounging is always done on a large 

 circle : first, because, if the horse does canter or gallop 

 wildly, there is less danger ; and, secondl}^, because the 

 trot will be longer and more energetic, and the leaning 

 on the mouthpiece more complete. The object of this 

 procedure is to encourage the horse to throw its weight 

 well forward, go ahead resolutely, and use its hind 

 legs altogether as propellers. It may be well to give a 

 caution here : grass-land or clay, when trodden hard, 

 if moist, is to be avoided — the danger of slipping is 

 too great ; sand or tanner's bark if available — if not, a 

 piece of dry fresh-harrowed field — is preferable. 



■* The ti-ainer of race-horses does not wish this, of course. 

 + We shall see further on that the school system demands this 

 from the hocks. 



