92 RIDING RECOLLECTIONS. 



" Drop your hands ! " say nine good riders out of ten, 

 when the pupil's head is thrown up to avoid control. 

 " Not so," replies Baucher. " On the contrary, tighten 

 and increase your pressure more and more, keeping the 

 rebel up to his bit with legs and spurs if necessary, 

 till he yields, not you ; then on the instant, rapidly and 

 dexterously, as you would strike in fly-fishing, give to 

 him, and he will come into your hand ! " 



I have tried his method myself, in more than one 

 instance, and am inclined to think it is founded on 

 common sense. 



But in all our dealings with him, we should remember 

 that the horse's mouth is naturally delicate and sensitive 

 though we so often find it hardened by violence and ill- 

 usage. The amount of force we apply, therefore, whether 

 small or great, should be measured no less accurately 

 than the drops of laudanum administered to a patient 

 by the nurse. Reins are intended for the guidance of 

 the horse, not the support of his rider, and if you do 

 not feel secure without holding on by something, rather 

 than pluck at his mouth, accept the ridicule of the 

 position with its safety, and grasp the mane ! 



Seriously, you may do worse in a difficulty when 

 your balance is in danger, and instinct prompts you to 

 restore it, as, if a horse is struggling out of a bog, has 



