DROOPING QUARTERS—DUST BALLS 



to proceed is to take hold of them by the right hand in 

 front of the left and to push them back the required distance 

 through the fingers of the left. Shortening reins by pulling 

 them through the left fingers from behind may be equally 

 effective, but it is not artistic, and as the thumb has to 

 be used in doing so the hold upon the whip is interfered 

 with. At the same time, in driving four horses it is often 

 correct to shorten the reins from behind by pulling, but 

 the principles of team driving, which include many intricate 

 movements of the hands, can never be acquired excepting 

 by a course of proper tuition from a practical coachman, 

 amateur, or professional. 



Regarding the less ambitious turn-out, it may be observed 

 that the unfortunately not very uncommon fault of jagging 

 at a horse's mouth in order to correct him or with the idea 

 of causing him to increase his pace is most objectionable. 

 A little gentle movement of the hands will usually accomplish 

 all that is required in the latter matter, and the whip is the 

 proper instrument to chastise him with, but it is seldom 

 necessary to use it much or severely. A man who makes 

 unmerciful, or even very severe use of his whip, is usually a 

 bad coachman or a passionate man, who, either in ignorance 

 or otherwise, vents his own shortcomings upon his horse, 

 which will do far more for a driver who treats him firmly 

 but without violence, and who keeps him under control by 

 gentle words and pressure upon his mouth, instead of by 

 violent threats and jagging at the bit. (See Bits, Harness, 

 Mouthy 



Drooping Quarters. — This term speaks for itself, being 

 applied to quarters which, instead of being level as they 

 should be, fall away behind the croup, the result being a low- 

 set tail. (See Goose Rump.) 



Dust Bails. — See Calculus. 



Ill 



