222 MOUNTED BREAKING. 



bestride horses in England and Ireland, to say nothing of 

 other countries, " ride the bridle," and altogether neglect 

 the use of the legs as an " aid." Consequently their horses 

 are heavy in front, become prematurely unsound in their 

 fore legs, and are wanting in handiness. The breaker 

 when mounted, should be careful to alternate his lessons 

 of " collection " with well-regulated periods of relaxation 

 so that nervous as well as muscular fatigue may be avoided. 

 I have dwelt in particular upon lightening the forehand 

 and on collecting the horse ; as horses are generally more 

 wanting in these respects, than in being too light in front. 

 If, however, the horse does not go up to his bridle, we may 

 try to correct the faulty distribution of weight by the use 

 of the standing martingale for lowering the head ; and by 

 employing a general stimulus, such as that of the voice or 

 " company," instead of that of the drawn-back feet, we 

 may hope in a short time to effect our purpose. We 

 should also give frequent lessons in the turn on the fore- 

 hand (see page 212). For further remarks on teaching a 

 horse to go up to his bridle, or to abstain from boring on it, 

 see Chapter XL 



The breaker when riding his pupil should be careful to 

 make him go in the required direction without deviating 

 from it to one side or to the other. A lively' horse, when 

 newly broken in, is liable to shy away from and start at 

 all kinds of objects which he may meet in the field or on 

 the road. To teach him that such behaviour will not be 

 permitted, the breaker when in the saddle, and while 

 walking, trotting or cantering along, should take rather a 

 short hold of the reins, so that if the horse makes any 

 attempt to "play up," the breaker may bring him in an 

 instant under control by closing his legs (flat of the foot or 

 heel as may be required) firmly against his sides, and holding 

 his head tight by the reins. If the shy be made, say, to the 



