42 ' THE BARB AND THE BRIDLE. 



get his head free from the rider's control. The master will find that, 

 despite the caution, both the pupil's hands will come forward at 

 once ; and if this action on the bridle had been executed by the 

 horse instead of his master, the former would have gained his first 

 step in having his own way, and, for instance, from a collected 

 canter could increase his pace at his own will. Now, there is 

 nothing more important in the action of the hand in controlling the 

 horse than firmness and instantaneous decision in yielding or main- 

 taining the appui. 



" If " (say some theorists) " a horse pulls against you, drop 

 your hand to him." This is rather a vague expression, which, 

 in fact, conveys no real meaning to an inexperienced person ; 

 among horsemen it is intended to convey that you should yield 

 to the horse whenever he pulls or takes a Kberty with the hand. 

 Now, the direct reverse of this is the course to be adopted by all 

 riders who wish to acquire good hands. When a horse endeavours 

 to forereach upon the rider, the latter, instead of yielduig, should 

 close his hands firmly on the reins, and keep the arms perfectly 

 steady, loithout pulling an ounce against the horse ; at the same time 

 closing his leg with equal firmness. In the next stride or two the 

 horse will yield to the hand, which should instantly yield to him ; 

 and thus he learns that you are master of him, and goes well 

 together, or, as it is technically called, collectedly and within him- 

 self ; whereas if the hand is freely yielded whenever he takes a 

 liberty or romps for his head, in a very brief time he wiU be all 

 abroad, and going in any form but that best for hmiself or his rider. 



To ensure firmness and steadiness of the hands, however, equal 

 firmness and steadiness are requisite in the arms, and, for that 

 reason, the pupil should be taught to keep them close to the side ; 

 an additional reason being that, if this is neglected, a beginner, as 

 it were, disconnects the figure from the waist upwards, and loses 

 her true balance. When the pupil has had sufficient practice 

 to ensure steadiness in the saddle, the injunction as to arms 

 perfectly steady may be relaxed; and gradually, while there is no 

 1 nt eral motion of the arm from the side or sticking out of the 

 elbows, the lady will learn to give easy play to the shoulder 



