54 HINTS ON HORSEMANSHIP. 



retention of the guiding rein only. The bearing on the non- 

 guiding rein should be in no respect altered : nor should 

 there be any increased collection of the horse, or urging indi- 

 cation of the leg or whip ; though their guiding indication 

 may be gently applied on the same side as the guiding indi- 

 cation of the hands, so as to cause the horse's croupe to be 

 inclined towards the object at which he shies. But this must 

 not be attempted, if the horse is the least alarmed or in 

 expectation of chastisement. 



Horses in a state of excitement, and which have been in 

 bad hands, will require the reins in the full grasp of the 

 hands ; and sometimes the whole strength of the strongest 

 man. But this strength must be employed with smoothness, 

 otherwise they will be driven to despair by pain, and resist 

 instead of yielding to it. Stiffening themselves and pulling is 

 their defence against hard, harsh handling ; but none ever 

 remained permanently a puller, with a smooth and gentle 

 hand. 



