ABOUT DRIVING. 175 



the traces, and by general disorder. In all paces, 

 turns or short stops, the wheelers should be held a 

 little shortened by the right hand, to prevent col- 

 lision with the leaders. 



In general, the wheelers are the real draught 

 horses of a four-in-hand ; the leaders, commonly of 

 lighter build, are more of an appendage, their pull- 

 ing amounting to little. Driving four-in-hand must 

 be classed under the luxuries, and, performed by a 

 stylish driver, presents a most beautiful aspect. 

 The equalness of the tension of the traces and lines 

 is a prime factor. If, unintentionally, the team 

 should deviate from the straight line, the oblique 

 direction must be corrected principally by the 

 wheelers. 



Before stopping a four-in-hand, the coachman has 

 to examine if all four lines are in equal tension, 

 and then begin reining in the wheelers first, imme- 

 diately followed by that of the leaders. 



In hacking^ first let the leaders step back a little, 

 and as soon as they begin the motion, pull back the 

 wheelers ; if reversed, the wheelers would find re- 

 sistance from the leaders. 



Turns are executed in a similar way as in driving 

 a pair, but with the difference that the fore lines 

 have to act first. 



Never turn the leaders too sharp, or too sudden — a 



