288 MILITARY RIDING. 



with a thick unjointed snaffle, and seeing that it is properly 

 'put on so as not to pinch the corners of his mouth, it is 

 impossible to prevent some tender mouths from being cut by 

 the bit. In such cases the long reins should be buckled on to 

 a strong headstall and the animal driven in this way until he 

 has been rendered sufficiently supple to allow of a bit being 

 safely put in his mouth. 



This system of long rein driving could not be carried out in 

 time of war, because the horses at such times are purchased in 

 large numbers and there would not be sufficient time to train 

 them in this manner ; but in ordinary times, and especially 

 with young weak horses, the hours devoted to this preparation 

 are well spent. The practice of long rein driving also greatly 

 improves a rider's hands. When the horse is thoroughly 

 handy with the long reins he should be saddled, a process he 

 is not likely to resent after he has become accustomed to the 

 daily girthing on of the driving-pad. 



Great care should be taken in backing a horse for the first 

 time ; for a bad habit may be learnt in a few minutes which 

 will doubtless take a long time to remedy. An assistant, 

 who should be quiet and gentle with young horses, will be 

 necessary to hold the horse and be ready to give the rider his 

 stirrup when he is in the saddle. The rider must mount 

 quietly and let himself down lightly into the saddle, avoiding 

 too strong a pressure with his legs. He should mount and 

 dismount a few times to accustom the horse to the weight on 

 his back, and should have the horse led forward for a pace or 

 two. After a few lessons, and if the animal goes quietly, the 

 trainer who is to undertake the further education of his 

 equine pupil may mount without assistance. 



The early lessons, which should be short and as simple as 

 possible, should be given very quietly without undue hurry, 

 as the trainer should be satisfied with a little improvement 

 every day both in education and condition. The impatient 



