12 HINTS ON HORSEMANSHIP. 



opposite side of the neck, or by word from his driver ; and 

 indeed, such is the nicety to which it may be brought, that 

 you constantly hear persons boast that their horses will " turn 

 by the weight of the reins on the neck." This, however, only 

 proves the docility of the horse, and how badly he has been 

 ridden ; for a horse which has been finely broken, should take 

 notice only of the indications of his rider's hand, on his mouth, 

 not of any feeling of the reins against his neck. 



By indications generally, I mean the motions and applica- 

 tion of the hands, legs, and whip, to direct and determine the 

 paces, turnings, movements, and carriage of the horse. I 

 have used the word throughout instead of " aids," as being 

 perhaps more explanatory, and certainly less liable to abuse. 

 For common sense tells us that a horse receives no aid from 

 a pull in the mouth with a piece of iron, or a blow from a 

 whip, or a kick in the side from an armed heel, however 

 these may indicate to him the wishes or commands of his 

 rider. It is the common error to suppose that he is aided 



