CHAPTER IV 



HANDS 



11 Be gentle, my children, in using your hands, 

 Touch lightly and let the chief effort be mental, 

 The will is the power that guides and commands." — 



Philpotts Williams. 



" His hand is the best whose indications are so clear 

 that the horse cannot mistake them, and whose gentleness 

 and fearlessness alike induce obedience." — 



Lord Pembroke. 



What is really meant by " Hands " ? We 

 speak of some people as having good hands, 

 of others as having bad hands. Horses go 

 kindly and nicely with the first, and never seem 

 comfortable when the others are on their backs. 

 What is the secret of this magic touch ? It 

 seems to lie in three things : Firstly, a seat 

 independent of any assistance from the hands ; 

 secondly, good nerve and a kind disposition, 

 which prevents the rider from causing the horse 

 unnecessary pain ; and, thirdly, a long and 

 moderately stretched rein, and knowledge when 

 to strengthen the action of the hands and when 

 to ease it. 



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