a6o X E N O P H O N's TREATISE 



But when an horfe is taught to go regularly and 

 fmoothly, with a rein rather loofe and eafy, to bear his 

 neck alofr, and to Curl it fomewhat towards his head, 

 he then does thofe very things in which he himfelf 

 delights, and takes the greateft pleafure. A proof of 

 this may be, that when lie is at liberty in a paflure, 

 and meets with other horfe s, and efpecially Mares, he 

 will erzd: his head and neck, raife his tail towards his 

 back w^ith courage and vigour, trots high and ftately, 

 rejoicing in his courfe, and proud of himfelf. If 

 therefore the horfeman can prevail upon him to ap- 

 pear, when mounted, in the beautiful attitudes he na- 

 turally afTumcs when at liberty, he will make him 

 become fond of being rode ; and whenever he appears, 

 he will exhibit a moil ftriking and pleafmg figure to 

 the fpciflators, from his pride, fprightlinefs, and acti- 

 vity : we will now point out what is to be done, in or- 

 cer to attain thefe defixable ends. 



In the firft place, the horfeman fhould be furniflied 

 with two bits at lead. Of thefe, let one be fraooth and 

 eafy, with large knobs or rings * ; the other fhould have 

 heavier rings, not Handing fo high, and armed with 

 fliarp points or Teeth. When this is put into the 

 horfe's mouth, he will be offended, and diflike it, but 

 will hereby be taught the, difference between the two, 

 and be induced to relifh the fmooth bit with double 



* Julius Pollux mentions thefe orbs or rings, and our Olive bits feem 

 to rcfemble them, 



7 plea- 



