Chapter II.--DEFENSES OF THE SADDLE 

 HORSE 



The restlessness of a horse may lead to a number of 

 vices which it is important to overcome as much for the 

 animal's preservation as the safety of the rider; but the 

 solution of the difficulty lies more in the rider's skill than 

 in laying down set rules applicable to the very numerous 

 cases which may arise. The following will therefore be 

 considered as useful advice, worthy of being thought about 

 but not absolute rules: 



Ignorant horses. — When a horse disobeys through ig- 

 norance of what is asked of him, by manifesting only a 

 certain difficulty or a passive resistance, he is made to 

 obey by again taking up his training at the point where he 

 is at fault and in following thereafter the series of exer- 

 cises indicated to complete his education. 



Horses that are afraid. — By gentleness and patience the 

 horse is given confidence. When his rider perceives an 

 object capable of frightening him, he should sit tight, 

 leave his reins long, pet him, and quiet him by the voice. 

 If a horse constantly is afraid of the same object, show it 

 to him often, and dismount to lead him to it rather than 

 drive him with the spurs. If the horse seeks to turn 

 around through fear, hold him in the straight path by op- 

 posing the shoulders to the haunches. 



Horses with had conformation. — The horse with bad con- 

 formation naturally undergoes the consequences of weak- 

 ness in the organs concerned and resists the execution of 

 movements which throw special stress on these organs. 

 The rider should avoid immoderate requirements which 

 would have the result of provoking defenses if the horse 

 lacks strength, or of still further damaging the parts if the 

 horse submits. 



Mean horses.— To master a horse of difficult character 

 the rider must prove that he is the stronger and never let 

 a disobedience pass nor yield to a whim. It is rare that 

 one may lead him to yield without force; on the other 

 hand, every concession on his part should be rewarded. 

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