ON HORSEMANSHIP. i.^% 



without danger. The fame is to be obferved with re- 

 fpe<ft ta the hinder legs. 



In general, let it be obferved, that whatever the grooni 

 wants to do with the horfe, he fhould be very cautious 

 in coming near his head or heels, for, if he is difpof- 

 e4 to be vicious, he has the man in his power ; but if 

 the man approaches the horfe fideways, he is in a fe- 

 ciire pofition, and cannot be hurt. 



We do not advife the perfon who has the care of 

 condufling an horfe from one place to another, to go 

 behind him, becaufe, in this fituation, he is leaft able 

 to defend hirafelf, and the horfe is more at liberty to 

 difobey him ; neither fhould he go before, and by 

 holding a long rein, endeavour to compel the horfe to 

 follow, for he may then be mifchievous and unruly, 

 turn round to either fide, get the man within reach of 

 Jiis heels, and do him an injury. Nor, when many 

 horfes arc led together, is it eafy to prevent them 

 from interfering with one another. But an horfe that 

 is led by a man going at his fide, is lefs able to do 

 hurt, and readier to be mounted on a fudden, if occa- 

 fion requires. 



In order to put the bridle on moft conveniently, the 

 groom fhould go to the Near fide, and put the reins 

 over his head, letting them fall upon his fhoulders. 



Then having the Headjiall in his right-hand, and the 

 Bin in his left, if the horfe receives the latter in his 

 mouth, he has nothing to do but to fix the bridle : if 

 he refufes, he mufl hold the bitt to his teeth, and put 



I i 2 his 



