MANAGEMENT OF THE HORSE. 179 



a gentle hold upon the reins, and by caressing 

 pats upon his neck and shoulders. 



In the directions given in this chapter, nec- 

 essarily involving more or less repetition, the 

 author has endeavored to be as clear, compre- 

 hensible, and simple as possible. And the rider 

 will find it of much greater advantage to have 

 these instructions printed, than to be required 

 to learn them orally, as she can read and re-read 

 them at pleasure and have them thoroughly 

 committed to memory before mounting her 

 horse. And, although it has required many 

 pages to present these instructions to the read- 

 er, she will find that their application will prove 

 very simple, and will also be agreeably sur- 

 prised to observe the great control she will have 

 over the feelings and movements of her steed 

 through their agency. Horses are generally 

 very sagacious, and appear to recognize promptly 

 any timidity, awkwardness, or ignorance on the 

 part of their riders, and, according to their tem- 

 per or disposition, will take advantage of such 

 recognition, either by advancing carelessly or 

 by manifesting trickiness or viciousness. The 

 best trained horse always requires to be kept 

 under command, but by kind treatment and 

 correct management. The horse, when ridden 

 by a finished horsewoman, knows that although 



