70 HORSE-MASTERSHIP 



I forgot to mention that the surcingle, 

 which I previously mentioned in the double- 

 rein method of schooling, is in Ireland 

 generally omitted, and its place taken by a 

 saddle with leathers and stirrups. These 

 latter are secured under the horse's belly by 

 a strap or cord, and the driving-reins are run 

 through the stirrup - irons instead of the 

 " D's." Such, briefly, is the double- rein 

 method, which its patrons claim gives them 

 greater control over a horse than the single 

 rein. I cannot but think, though, that if all 

 horses were schooled carefully on the single 

 rein, the control which is claimed for the 

 double rein would not be required. It is 

 urged against the double-rein method that, 

 owing to the control of the horse being 

 accomplished through the medium of the 

 mouth, horses are liable to be made shy of 

 jumping through being jerked in the mouth, 

 either when they fall or when any accidental 

 tightening of the reins takes place. 



All that has previously been said about 

 care in selection of obstacles, the gradual 

 increase in the size of the fences, and not 

 hurrying or forcing young horses, applies 

 equally to either method of schooling, and 

 in both cases kindness is the only real 

 method of successfully teaching jumping. 

 A young horse should always be encouraged 

 rather than scolded, and should be petted 



