HINTS ON HORSEMANSHIP. 55 



The single case in which a jerk in the mouth is admissible, 

 •is when your horse is about to kick, and some one is within 

 reach of his heels. The jerk causes him to throw his head 

 up, and he cannot without difficulty raise his croupe at the 

 same time ; but, except to save life or limb, supposing no 

 one within reach, hold your hands high, and pull severely but 

 smoothly; do not jerk. This in general will be sufficient to 

 prevent his kicking ; but it is better that your horse should 

 occasionally kick, than that he should always go as stiff as 

 if he were made of wood ; which is the inevitable result of 

 jerking. 



Directions to use both bridles at once are perhaps out 

 of place in these pages, which profess only to treat of 

 common riding. For he must be a very uncommon horse- 

 man who should attempt it. To use both bridles, and adjust 

 their length, without disturbing the double bearing on the 

 horse's mouth, requires infinite tact and delicacy. I should 

 recommend the snaffle to be worked exactly as directed for 



