RIDING. 53 



effect seems to be produced, that rein should be eased, 

 and the bridoon-rein borne up. 



In fencing, the snafflle or bridoon bit and rein only 

 ought to be used ; this the rider should particularly bear 

 in mind. A rider with a hold of the curb-rein in fenc- 

 ing, getting the least out of his equilibrium, or giving 

 an involuntary check to the curb, may put any well- 

 mouthed animal entirely out of his own way, preventing 

 his jumping safely and confidently, and probably caus- 

 ing accidents. One of several reasons why the Irish 

 horses excel in fencing is, that it is very much the cus- 

 tom in that country to use snaffles in cross-country rid- 

 ing. The curb-rein may be taken up, if necessary, after 

 the jump is over. (Some horses, however, are such vio- 

 lent pullers, that, in the full tilt of going to hounds, where 

 the country is close and fencing frequent, it is almost 

 impossible to avoid using the curb-rein occasionally in 

 the act of jumping.) 



While touching on cross-country riding, it may be 

 observed that many men who ought to know better, 

 often make a serious mistake in not leaving hunters 

 more to themselves than they do when going at and 

 taking their fences. Horses vary in their mode of pro- 

 gression; and whether the gait be slow or fast, any- 

 thing of a trained animal, when interfered with under 

 these circumstances, will be put out of his own way 

 (which is generally best suited to his peculiar temper 

 or ability), in placing his legs advantageously to make 

 his jump with safety.* 



ing, especially in anything of a rough attempt to " rein back " with ; 

 indeed, this latter point of training should be accomplished with 

 the bridoon only. 



* One can scarcely repress a smile on hearing cross-country mis- 



