BUCKJUMPING. 329 



on to his feet after undergoing his discipline on the ground. 

 While holding the long reins with a firm grip, we should 

 pull the horse round from side to side and rein him back, 

 the moment the assistant gets into the saddle, so that the 

 animal may not be able to buck ; and having obtained 

 control over him, we should circle and turn him at the 

 walk, trot, and canter, until he goes quietly. The long 

 reins may now be taken off, and the ordinary reins given 

 to the rider, who, previous to this, should not touch the 

 reins, although he may use the breast-plate, neck strap 

 of the standing martingale, or other convenient object, 

 as a help, in case of accident, for retaining his balance. 

 Or we may omit the discipline on the ground, and trust 

 to the effect of the long reins and head and tail method. 

 In mild cases, mouthing with the long reins, and using 

 them in the manner just described, for controlling the horse 

 when the assistant mounts him, will be sufficient for an 

 expert. 



BITING AND SAVAGING. 



Apply the wooden gag (see page 143), and, if necessary, 

 tie up one fore leg, or put on the strait- jacket. Then 

 handle the horse, and give him every opportunity to bite, 

 so as to show him that he cannot effect his purpose, and 

 that, when he vainly attempts to do so, he will hurt his 

 mouth by the pressure of the gag on his gums. On this 

 account, its action is most salutary, and differs entirely 

 from the muzzle, which simply protects the object of the 

 animal's resentment, without either checking the practice 

 of the habit, or punishing him for indulging in it. With 

 the gag on, the horse is unable to bring his teeth together. 

 The fore leg may be let down, or the strait- jacket taken 

 off, as soon as the horse is quiet to handle with the gag 

 alone. This appliance may be kept in the horse's mouth 



