CHARACTER AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HORSE, 

 WITH DIRECTIONS FOR RIDING. 



A KNOWLEDGE of the general character and dis- 

 position of the horse is really and absolutely neces- 

 sary to his skilful management, from his extremely 

 nervous sensibility, his aptness to take the various 

 impressions of fear, affection, or dislike, to any of 

 which he is naturally very quickly disposed. 



*' Reas'ning at ev'ry step he treads, 

 Man yet mistakes his way ; 

 While meaner things by instinct led 

 Are rarely known to stray." 



Speaking in soothing terms to a horse, so that 

 he may become familiar to the voice, gives him 

 confidence in his rider, which is of the utmost 

 importance. At all times more is to be accomplished 

 with the animal by gentle means than could possibly 

 be done by harsh ones : kindness, or its opposite, is 

 speedily conveyed to and retained in his memory, 

 which is remarkably retentive. This mutual con- 

 fidence is perfectly appreciated by the Arabs. They 

 invariably treat their horses with the greatest kind- 

 ness and affection ; they are the Bedouins' beloved 



