44 GRACEFUL RIDING. 



nent peril of life, limb, — not only of the rider or 

 driver, — but of whoever or whatever he may chance 

 to meet in his impetuous flight. The habit at length 

 becomes confirmed, and it is alone by the utmost 

 nerve and coolness, tempered with firmness and 

 kindness, that we may hope eventually to overcome 

 the disease. 



When a horse is known to have a disposition 

 for running away, a firm, steady hold should be 

 kept over him, at the same time speaking soothingly 

 and encouragingly ; but, at the least symptom, check- 

 ing sharply and scolding him, and never allowing 

 him to increase his pace of his own accord, as fear 

 will oftentimes cause him at length to break into 

 a gallop. 



Either in riding or driving, the reins should be 

 held firmly, and the horse had well in hand ; but 

 not by a constant pull to deaden the sensitiveness of 

 his mouth ; taking care occasionally to ease the 

 reins and keep the mouth alive by a gentle motion 

 of the bit, only just loosening them, so that on any 

 symptom of running away or bolting, they may be 

 caught up quickly, and the horse be well placed 

 under command, without frightening him. 



By a little judicious management in this way, 

 with patience, kindness tempered with firmness, a 



