434 RIDING DIFFICULT HORSES. 



take no notice, although we may see by the behaviour 

 of our mount, as he keeps his ears pricked, snorts at 

 the terrifying object in front of him, slackens his pace, 

 and prepares to either stop or dart away, that he will 

 require encouragement to induce him to go on. As 

 long as he answers the indications of the reins and 

 pressure (not cuts) of the whip we should keep silent ; 

 but when he falters as if his heart were failing him, it 

 is time for us to encourage him with the voice, softly 

 at first, and louder, in a determined tone of command, 

 if he still hesitates. With a young horse it is well to 

 continue speaking to and soothing him until he has 

 falteringly passed the cause of alarm, as the sound of 

 his rider's voice often inspires him with confidence at 

 the critical moment by withdrawing his attention from 

 the object of his fright. * If a lady is riding with a 

 friend and is engaged in conversation when her horse 

 begins to show fear at some object of alarm, she 

 should continue her talk, because it will give him more 

 encouragement to go on, than sudden silence on her 

 part, which he might take as a sign that she shares his 

 fear. If she finds it necessary to shorten her reins in 

 anticipation of his " playing up," she should do it in 

 an easy and gradual manner, so as not to let him know 

 her intentions, and above all things she should refrain 

 from speaking to him until it is absolutely necessary, 

 which will be at the moment he is getting ready to 

 swerve. I have at present a very amiable and steady 

 hunter, which will invariably shy at any high vehicle, 

 but will pass traction engines, trains and even motor 



