438 RIDING DIFFICULT HORSES. 



to feel hot and uncomfortable, to say nothing of a 

 possible headache and pain in the side. Such fretting 

 and fuming brutes are not fit to ride, and should be 

 put through a course of breaking lessons, preferably 

 with the long reins, and be punished by being compelled 

 to rein back, walk and halt at word of command. If 

 it is inconvenient to have them properly broken, they 

 should be driven in harness at a walk, and be kept 

 standing about as much as possible to teach them 

 obedience. A lady can offer very little defence when 

 riding a dancing horse, but she may gain some respite 

 by making him halt, supposing she does not desire to 

 trot or canter. If a steady animal commences to dance 

 without any exciting cause, such as the prospect of a 

 hunt, his bitting and girthing up should be carefully 

 examined, as there may be something hurting him, 

 or the saddle may be pinching his back. Horses 

 which are tormented by flies are apt to dance about, in 

 which case it is best to trot or canter as much as 

 possible. In India and other tropical countries where 

 these pests are particularly troublesome during the hot 

 weather, horse-hair wisps specially made for the pur- 

 pose, are carried for brushing them away. 



THROWING UP THE HEAD. 



If a curb be used, care should be taken that its 

 mouthpiece is not placed too high up in the mouth ; 

 that the chain is not too tight, in which case it would 

 hurt the jaw ; and that the mouthpiece of the snaffle 

 does not press against the corners of the mouth. If 



