MANAGEMENT OF THE HORSE. 173 



dom, while at the same time he is kept in entire 

 obedience to his rider. Indeed, this movement 

 is the grand secret of good riding and correct 

 management of the horse, and there can he no 

 good riding loitliont it. 



With this movement there should always be 

 a certain support or pull upon the horse's 

 mouth, — firmer or lighter according to the 

 sensitiveness of his mouth, as some animals are 

 harder mouthed than others, and consequently 

 require a firmer support ; — this tension or 

 pressure should be rather light in the walk and 

 canter, firmer in the trot, and very light in the 

 hand gallop. In the rapid gallop, the horse re- 

 quires considerable support. 



In all cases of restiveness, except in rearing, 

 raising the bridle - hands will give more com- 

 mand over the horse, as it wall cause him to 

 keep up his head, and thus while lessening the 

 power of the animal will at the same time add 

 to that of the rider. On the contrarv, should 

 the horse lower his head, and the bridle-hands 

 be held low, the power of the animal will be 

 augmented and he can bid defiance to his rider, 

 unless she can raise his head. She will have to 

 do this in a gentle but firm manner, soliciting, 

 as it were, the desired elevation of his head by 

 raising her hands and quickly relaxing and con- 



