DEFENSES OF THE HORSE. 291 



is attempting to mount ; this restlessness is some- 

 times occasioned by his impatience and eager- 

 ness to start, and may then be remedied by hav- 

 ing him held by the bit, with his right side 

 placed against a wall, fence, or other firm bar- 

 rier, where he can be kept until the lady has 

 mounted. The horse must not be allowed to 

 start immediately after the rider has become 

 seated, but must be restrained until he is per- 

 fectly quiet, and must be chidden every time he 

 commences to prance. A few lessons of this kind 

 will teach him to stand still while being mounted. 



When the horse from viciousness, or from dis- 

 like to carrying a rider, attempts to evade being 

 mounted, he had better be disposed of; for 

 should the lady succeed in mounting she will 

 receive but little benefit from the ride, as the 

 bad temper and unwillingness of her steed will 

 not only make it unpleasant, but even danger- 

 ous for her. 



Sometimes the restiveness of the horse may 

 be the fault of the person holding him, who, per- 

 haps, either takes too heavy a hold of the snaf- 

 fle-rein, thus pressing the sides of the snaffle-bit 

 against the animal's mouth, and pinching him, 

 or pulls upon the curb-reins, which should not 

 be touched. Either of these mistakes will cause 

 the horse to move backward. Not unf requently 



