174 THE AMERICAN HORSEWOMAN. 



tracting the fingers, but being careful to keep 

 the reins in place between the thumb and index 

 finger of each hand ; she will thus gradually 

 oblige him to raise his neck with his chin drawn 

 in, so that control over his mouth may be re- 

 gained. 



Should he resist this method, the reins must 

 be momentarily slackened, and then a decided 

 jerk or pull be given them in an upward di- 

 rection; this will cause a sharp twinge in his 

 mouth, and make him raise his head. In these 

 manoeuvres the curb-bit should be used, and as 

 the animal raises his head the rider should 

 gently relax the reins, and also be on her guard 

 lest he rear. In some instances a decided " saw- 

 ing " of his mouth with the snaffle that is, 

 sharply pulling upon one rein and then upon 

 the other, and in rather quick succession will 

 cause him to raise his head and neck. 



When a horse is obedient, all changes in the 

 degree of pressure upon his mouth should be 

 made gradually, because, if a sudden transition 

 be made from a firm hand to a relaxed one, he 

 will be abruptly deprived of the support upon 

 which he has been depending and may be 

 thrown forward on his shoulders. Again, to 

 pass precipitately from a slack rein to a tight 

 one will give a violent shock to his mouth, 



