556 NOTES ON TANDEM AND FOUR-IN-HAND DRIVING. 



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It has ever been my custom (and it always worked well 

 and gave satisfaction) to give a tandem pupil half a dozen 

 lessons in four-in-hand first, because the reins are more 

 easily handled as they do not run up to the hand so close 

 together as in tandem. Furthermore, the pupil has more 

 confidence after driving four, and does not get tired so 

 soon on account of the decreased weight, as already men- 

 tioned. The beginner who can afford an establishment of 

 his own should be most particular in engaging a thoroughly 

 competent head man — one who has absolute knowledge of 

 all the work in connection with coaching. Such men, in the 

 United States, I regret to say, are nearly as scarce as hens' 

 teeth. 



Learn to catch the thong and handle the whip properly ; 

 it looks easy, but it is one of the most dif^cult parts of the 

 business. Many (too many) who have been driving for years 

 are to-day unable to catch a double thong and use the whip 

 with skill and safety. A beginner should constantly practise 

 with the whip, and know how to handle it, before he takes 

 the reins in his hand ; he can then handle them without 

 half as much trouble. 



Another most important matter for the novice to know 

 before getting on the box, is to thoroughly understand how 

 to put to and take out a four-in-hand. Two men at least 

 are absolutely necessary in putting a team (four) in harness. 

 When putting in the wheelers, one man ought to stand by 

 their heads ; the other then puts the pole-chains through the 

 ring on the hames sufficiently tight to keep- the horses from 

 running back to the splinter bar. Then he goes to the 

 traces. The outside traces of the wheelers and leaders 

 should be put on first ; in taking the horses out take off the 



