284 GUIDING A HORSE SWIMMING. 



denly and unexpectedly into deep water, they will, 

 almost invariably, try to touch the bottom with 

 their hind feet before they strike off to swim : the 

 rider in such cases should be particularly cautious 

 not to pull the bridle, for the least touch will pull 

 the horse back, obliging the rider to quit the 

 saddle, and he will run a great risk of being in- 

 jured by the horse's feet. A horse that has never 

 swam before will often continue nearly in the same 

 place for a long time, beating the water with his 

 fore-feet, with his head nearly erect ; in such a 

 situation, the rider should rest forward his whole 

 weight on the horse's neck, urging him on : if the 

 rider is able to swim, he should quit the saddle, 

 holding fast by the mane, and strike out with his 

 legs as in swimming, which will induce the horse 

 to lower his head and strike forward : as soon as 

 he perceives that he makes way through the 

 water, he will go on violently, snorting all the 

 time, and if the rider is as much alarmed as the 

 horse, and does not guide him to a proper land- 

 ing-place, he may meet with difficulties insur- 

 mountable. 



It is always the best plan to lay hold of the 

 horse's mane with the left hand, and the snaffle- 

 rein of the bridle with the right, which should 



