HINTS OX HORSEMANSHIP. 93 



jaw, like a slip-knot, and give you great power to hold him, 

 and prevent rushing. This should be done with a perfectly 

 smooth, firm feeling, and without jerk. All over-fresh 

 horses should be led in this way when not mounted ; without 

 it, a horse will contrive to pull with the top of his head, 

 instead of his jaw, and with force sufficient to break any 

 reins, or pull any man over. If the horse does refuse, the 

 bar should be lowered till he ceases to do so. He should be 

 always touched with the whip, if he hesitates ; but never 

 forced over anything higher than a foot from the ground. 

 And as long as he rushes, or shows nervousness, he cannot be 

 kept too low. When he goes freely and steadily, raise the 

 bar, hole by hole. Two or three times each day over the bar 

 would make him, before he is out of the breaker's hands, as 

 high and temperate a timber-fencer as the most practised 

 hunter — a high gate would be a joke to him. If he has no use 

 for this accomplishment in after-life, it is at least excellent as 

 an exaction of obedience. Any good-natured groom might 



