GRACEFUL RIDING. 15 



Shying is often the result of skittishness or affec- 

 tation at first. This may be easily overcome and 

 cured, at its commencement, by the judicious treat- 

 ment of the rider, in using firmness tempered with 

 kindness ; avoiding all harsh measures, and passing 

 the horse several times quietly by the object which 

 caused him to shy. A word, half-scolding, half- 

 encouraging, with a gentle pressure of the heel, or a 

 slight touch of the spur or whip, will convince him 

 there is nothing to fear ; and, further, will give the 

 animal confidence in his rider on future occasions. 



Kicking is a dangerous vice, and generally the 

 result of an idle groom or stable-boy playing with 

 the horse, and pinching him on the loins ; so that, 

 should any extraneous substance be in the padding 

 of the saddle, or the flaps of a coat touch him there, 

 or even a hand be thoughtlessly laid on his quarters, 

 he immediately commences kicking to dislodge the 

 cause. Once succeeding, he has invariably recourse 

 to the same remedy, until the habit becomes con- 

 firmed. 



There are many valuable horses ruined by thought- 

 lessness and folly. — This is more frequently the case 

 with animals of high courage. In many instances, 

 a very trivial alteration in the adjustment of the 

 saddle or bridle, &c. (had the rider been properly in- 



