DEFENSES OF THE HORSE, 273 



Some horses are constitutionally nervous and 

 timid, always fearful and upon the lookout, con- 

 stantly scrutinizing every object around them, 

 and keeping their riders incessantly on the 

 watch. These horses, though disagreeable to 

 ride, are seldom dangerous, as they will readily 

 obey the reins and yield to the hand that has 

 many times proved its reliability and correct- 

 ness. 



Shying. — The position in which a horse 

 places his ears is a sure indication of his imme- 

 diate intentions. When he raises his head and 

 points his ears strongly forward, it is because 

 he sees some object at the side of the road, or 

 approaching, which renders him uneasy or even 

 fearful. In such a case, his rider must be pre- 

 pared for a sudden leap to one side, a whirl 

 around, or a quick darting from the road. She 

 must not allow herself to become nervous and 

 jerk or suddenly tighten the reins, for then the 

 animal will think that she is likewise afraid, and 

 that he is justified in his own fright. On the 

 contrary, she must maintain her presence of 

 mind, quietly and calmly take a snaffle-rein in 

 each hand, draw them just tight enough to feel 

 the horse's mouth, keep his head high and 

 straight forward, and, as he approaches the ob- 

 ject that has alarmed him, gently turn his head 



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