1 6 Curb, Snaffle^ and Spur. 



should be used in punishment, the correction 

 of faults, whether voluntary or involuntary, being 

 obtained by the control which will follow the true 

 use of the aids. The horse should not be taught 

 to regard any motions, words, or bugle-calls ; for 

 it might obey such signals at inopportune times. 

 The silent application of the aids is the proper 

 manner for the rider to indicate his demands, and 

 the horse will be the readier to obey if it be 

 unused to preparatory signals. The trainer must 

 soothe by kind tones the young horse in its early 

 lessons, and he may correct it by a harsh voice ; 

 but as soon as he acquires the confidence of the 

 animal, and it begins to understand the bit and 

 the spur, the man should conduct the lessons in 

 silence, and depend upon the aids for enforcing 

 his requirements. I know of nothing that seems 

 to give such pleasure and such satisfaction to 

 the horse as a slight relaxation upon the ten- 

 sion of the reins, and an almost impercep- 

 tible touch of the bridle-hand upon the crest, 

 when the rider wishes to encourage or reward 

 his mount. The horse very soon learns the 

 meaning of this, and how to appreciate it ; and 

 as long as it does not affect the speed, direc- 



