44 RIDING RECOLLECTIONS. 



rather accustom your pupil gradually to its restraint, 

 and remember that all horses are not shaped alike; 

 some are so formed that they must needs carry their 

 heads higher, and, as you choose to think, in a worse 

 place than others. Tuition in all its branches cannot 

 be too gradual, and nature, whether of man or beast, 

 is less easily driven than led. The first consideration 

 in riding is, no doubt, to make our horses do what we 

 desire ; but when this elementary object has been 

 gained, it is of great importance to our comfort that 

 they should accept our wishes as their own, persuaded 

 that they exert themselves voluntarily in the service 

 of their riders. For this it is essential to use such a 

 bridle as they do not fear to meet, yet feel unwilling to 

 disobey. Many high-couraged horses, with sensitive 

 mouths, no uncommon combination, and often united 

 to those propelling powers in hocks and quarters that 

 are so valuable to a hunter, while they scorn restraint 

 by the mild influence of the snaffle, fight tumultuously 

 against the galling restriction of a curb. For these the 

 scion of a noble family, that has produced many fine 

 riders, invented a bridle, combining, as its enemies 

 declare, the defects of both, to which he has given 

 his name. 



In England there seems a very general prejudice 



