AND SCHOOL A HORSE. 57 



tions of being insecure upon his feet, he 

 should demand free and lively action, 

 with rein and legs. The horse should 

 not be allowed to become indolent, nor 

 be permitted to hang upon the bit. On 

 descending a hill the horse must have 

 liberty of action, for if he steps too short 

 he is liable to come down ; and a horse 

 that is checked has not sufficient freedom 

 for his safety. It is after a long day's 

 work that a weary horse may for the first 

 time stumble, and it is a mistaken idea 

 of kindness that induces the rider to let 

 a horse take his head upon such an occa- 

 sion. The horse misses the encourao^e- 

 ment of the rein and the support of the 

 leg, and is invited to fall. Besides, it is 

 much more fatiguing for him to bear his 

 burden, deprived of his usual aids, and 



