SCOTTISH PONIES — SECOND THIGH 



circumstances, refuse, as this is a bad habit, more easily 

 acquired than got rid of. The older horse instils confidence 

 into the pupil, and thus renders the tuition easier. When 

 commencing operations, take him into an empty field and 

 put him at a 2-foot jump which has wings 12 feet in length, 

 and let him hop over ; should he refuse, be most patient, 

 as severity has demoralising effects on timid animals, and 

 gently persuade him to rise to it. If he will not jump, get 

 off and lead him over, and in time he will go with his rider 

 up, when he must be patted and praised. Never allow a 

 horse to turn his head at a jump, as this bad habit is most 

 difficult to eradicate ; gradually increase the height of the 

 rail, and as he gets to like the fun, do not permit him to rush 

 at it, but make him walk up to within 3 feet and then rise 

 with his body. 



Always remember to practise him at the low jumps as 

 well as the high, and do not hang on to his mouth when 

 rising, but let the hands fall on to the neck, leaving his head 

 and limbs free, so that he will be able to get his hind feet 

 well up to avoid hitting the rail. As the speed is increased, 

 be very careful about the last point, for if he contracts this 

 habit it will result in a fall. 



It is the practice of some continental breakers to fix 

 nails in the bar when the horse's education has progressed, 

 and to raise it when his body is in mid-air, so that he will 

 suffer pain unless he tucks his feet well up, but this is a 

 needlessly cruel method which cannot be commended. (See 

 Breaking^ 



Scottish Ponies — See Garron, Rum, Shetland, and West 

 Highland Ponies. 



Seat. — The seat of the saddle is the part between the 

 twist and cantle, on which the rider sits. (See Saddle.) 



Second Thigh. — The second thigh, or gaskin, is the 

 part of the hind-leg which lies between the stifle and hock 

 joints. (See Hind-legs, Points.) 



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