4( EFFECT OF INDICATIONS. [CHAP. 



too much pains and attention on the acquirement of this. 

 It is the index of the horse's actions, temper, and 

 intentions. It foreicarm the rider of what he is about to 

 do, and by it the rider feels nmscularly without mental 

 attention whether his horse requires more liberty or more 

 collecting. Audit is impossible that in this bearing on the 

 horse's mouth, or in the indications of the hands and legs 

 generally, or in shortening and lengthening the reins, the 

 rider can be too delicate, gradual, smooth, firm, and light. 

 The hands should be perfectly free from any approach to 

 a jerk, a loose rein, or uneven feeling on the mouth. The 

 legs should be kept from any action approaching to a 

 kick, except when the spur is given; that should be 

 always present, and when used should be given smartly 

 and withdrawn instantly, but the pressure of the legs 

 should be perfectly smooth and gradual, though, if 

 necessary, strong. 



If good riding is worth your attention do not think 

 these things beneath your notice. For the acquirement 

 of the bearing on the horse's mouth, the turning your 



