292 THE AMERICAN HORSEWOMAN. 



a horse will violently plunge and kick from the 

 pain of some injury in his side or back, which, 

 though not painful when the rider is seated, be- 

 comes so when she bears upon the stirrup. Such 

 a horse is unsound and not suitable for a side- 

 saddle. 



STUMBLING. When a horse, not naturally 

 indolent, and having his ears well placed, allows 

 the latter to project out and to fall loosely on 

 each side of his head, he is then fatigued, and 

 must be kept well supported by the bridle, for 

 he may stumble, or even fall. Whenever a horse 

 is felt to trip or stumble, the rider's body must 

 instantly be inclined backward, her hands be 

 lifted, and her horse be steadied and supported 

 by sufficient tension on the reins. Should the 

 tired horse be walking down a hill, he must al- 

 ways be well balanced by pressure of both leg 

 and whip ; this will keep him light upon his 

 fore-legs, and he will not be so apt to fall. 



A horse should never be whipped for stum- 

 bling, as it is not likely that he would do so of 

 his own accord, and it would be cruel to punish 

 the poor animal for what he could not help. It 

 may be the fault of the blacksmith in not shoe- 

 ing him properly. 



Should an indolent horse fail to raise his feet 

 sufficiently to escape tripping, the proper course 



