TO STOP A HORSE. 39 



straight forward, close both legs against him, 

 keep the reins equal, and ease the bridle-hand. 

 The legs are to hang easily and clear of the 

 horse's sides, and are not to be used against the 

 horse unless for the purposes of guidance or 

 increasing speed. 



To stop a Horse. — When a horse, going at 

 any pace, is to be stopped, the rider should 

 gently, but firmly and steadily, draw the reins 

 diagonally upward towards his own breast,* by 

 raising the bridle-hand and leaning back the 

 body to give weight to the pull, taking care to 

 hold firm, and keep the legs clear from the 

 horse's sides, which will prevent the rider 

 from being himself jerked, or from " bobbing 

 forward," by the sudden stop. As soon as the 

 horse has obeyed the check and remains still, 

 slacken the reins. If the horse continue to 

 go back, w r hen he was only intended to stop, 

 and stand still, or fidgets and moves in any 

 other way, close both legs against him, and 

 hold him steadily with the bridle in the same 



* Not downwards towards the pommel, nor sideways. 



