MANAGEMENT OF THE HORSE. 175 



cause him to displace his head, and destroy the 

 harmony of his movements. As a means of 

 punishment, some riders jerk suddenly, repeat- 

 edly, and violently upon the reins; this "jag- 

 ging on the reins " is a great mistake, and will 

 be likely to result in more harm to the rider 

 than to the horse, as the latter may suddenly 

 rear, or else have a bad temper aroused that 

 will be difficult to overcome. 



When riding on the road there will be times 

 when the horse will require more liberty of the 

 reins, as, for instance, when his head or neck 

 becomes uncomfortable from being kept too 

 long in one position, when he has an attack of 

 cough, when he wants to dislodge a troublesome 

 fly, etc. In giving this liberty when occasion 

 requires, the reins must not be allowed to slip 

 through the hands, but the arms should be 

 gradually advanced, without, however, inclining 

 the body forward. 



The movements of the body must correspond 

 with those of the horse and of the rider's 

 hands ; thus, when the animal is moving regu- 

 larly and straight forward, the hands, or bridle- 

 hand, being held firm and steady immediately 

 in front of the waist, the body must then be 

 seated squarely, with its front part to the front, 

 so that the rider can look directly between the 



