ON HORSEMANSHIP. 257 



■ foftcncd and rendered more tradable. Such an horfc 

 lliould be worked with a fmooth and eafy bit, rather 

 than with a rough one. However, if the latter is ufed, 

 its feverity may be mitigated by the gentlenefs of the 

 hand which holds it, and which may make it as eafy 

 as the Smooth one *. 



If any one, on the contrary, thinks that by riding 

 faft for a great while, and tiring his horfc, he fhall . 

 fubdue his fpirit ; his opinion is diredtly oppofite to 

 truth. In thefe cafes, the horfe always endeavours to 

 get the better by main force, and, (like an angry man) 

 through the violence of his paffion, often brings irre- 

 parable mifchief upon himfelf as well as his rider. 

 Horfes of this difpolition fliould alfo be withheld from 

 going at their utmoft fpeed, and upon no accotint be 

 fuffered to run againft others j for the horfe that is 

 moft eager to contend, is alraoll always moft fiery, and 

 fuch contention would encreafe his impatience. 



The Smooth bit is more convenient to be ufed to thefe 

 horfes, than fuch as are harfli and Rough ; but if a 

 rouo-h one is ufed, the hand of the rider fliould be 

 fo light and delicate as to qualify its force. 



The rider alfo fliould remember to keep a firm feac 

 upon a fpirited horfe, and to fit evenly and quietly, fo 



* This obfervation is moft juft : it is from the manner of managing 

 them alone that bits are eafy or fevere to the mouth of the horfe; other- 

 wife, as the duke of Newcaftle fays, the bit-makers would be the beft 

 horfemen. 



Vo L.I. hi as 



