2 2 MODERN HORSEMANSHIP. 



always be given by the snaffle ; and In time the 

 horse, after its suppling lessons, learns that it is best 

 to obey the slightest hint from the hand. I do not 

 wish the rider to think that he is to make a severe 

 use of the bit, or that it is well to pull about the 

 mouth of the animal, but he must be prepared to 

 employ such force as is absolutely necessary to 

 obtain the desired results, and he must bear in mind 

 that a weak, unready hand has its faults as well as 

 one that is too heavy. When the horse has been 

 suppled and brought to a state of perfect discipline, 

 it should be ridden in the curb bit, and this severe 

 instrument must be used with care and caution, the 

 tensions upon the curb reins should never be made 

 roughly or abruptly, and the rider's hand should be 

 as elastic and delicate as he expects to make the 

 horse's mouth elastic and delicate. 



The hand cannot do much without the help of 

 the heels. We may say that riding depends upon 

 the heels bringing up impulses to be disposed by 

 the hand. If there is a lack of impulse from the 

 hind-quarters, the hand has no power to direct. Or 

 the forehand may be impeded by the too vigorous 

 action of the croup, and then the heels must carry 

 the hind-legs further under the mass, so that the 

 forehand can be elevated and the balance between 

 the extremities be established. Action cannot be 



