RIDING AND DRIVING 103 



hooked on to the reins. A loop or becket on the 

 stirrup-leather is an excellent preventative for avoid- 

 ing the first of these accidents. 



One of the most unpleasant tricks a horse can 

 have is that of rearing, as the rider can do nothing 

 but hang on to the mane. I have before mentioned 

 that no boy or beginner should be allov^ed to ride 

 an animal unless it is free from all vices, but some 

 day you may be mounted on a horse that gets up 

 on its hind legs, and it is as well for you to know 

 what to do in such an emergency. 



The instinct of self-preservation prompts you to 

 clutch the reins in order to avoid slipping out of 

 the saddle, but instinct in this case would lead you 

 into further trouble. If, when the horse is balanc- 

 ing on its hind feet, you pull on the reins, you must 

 pull him over backwards and very likely on top 

 of you. 



You must get it impressed on your mind that 

 if a horse rears, your first action is to drop the 

 reins and hold on by the mane, the saddle, or even 

 put your arms round his neck, but let the reins 

 go at once. 



I have known first-rate hunters, afflicted with a 

 httle twist in the temper, that would, on occasions 

 of ill-humour or annoyance, rear straight up on 

 end, to the confusion and discomfiture of their 

 riders. If you happen to own one of this descrip- 

 tion, you will find it a good plan to have a loose 

 strap on the neck, which you can hold on by 

 directly he commences his tricks. 



