APPENDIX. 105 



struggle for relief when oppressed. Plunging 

 is a very usual; but rebellious exertion among 

 vicious horses ; if they do it repeatedly in the 

 same place, ill-temper is the cause, and in that 

 very place they should be cured of it ; for some 

 horses go very properly until they arrive at a 

 certain spot, and then play restive pranks. In 

 such a case, if the horse determine to bounce 

 and run back, the rider must " give him his 

 head," and firmly close his legs against him, or 

 the spurs, to oblige him to go forward. If the 

 horse plunge forward, hold him steady and firm 

 with the bridle, close both legs — not spurs — 

 frequently upon him, keeping him in the same 

 spot, until he, finding he cannot proceed in his 

 angry speed, and that he is mastered, stands 

 still with the bridle-rein loose, then, after a 

 pause, let him advance very slowly, to tran- 

 quillize his irritation and forget his resist- 

 ance. 



If a horse rears, the rider must " give him 

 his head," and be careful not to pull him over ; 

 then, as he is descending and touching the 

 ground, close the legs strongly upon him, and 



