THE PRIMER. 53 



rider's legs close against the horse the hand should 

 give the animal liberty to advance, and every re- 

 sponse to the heels should be rewarded. 



If the horse, instead of whipping around, runs 

 to the rear, the rider must try to wheel it about and 

 get it forward in the same manner as that described 

 in the preceding paragraph. 



If the horse goes forward in a series of little stiff- 

 legged jumps, its jaw lifeless and refusing to take 

 any tension upon the reins, it must be pushed into 

 a rapid pace until it takes some regular action, be 

 it trot or gallop, and the rider should then encourage 

 it as if he had obtained the obedience he required, 

 and gradually bring it to a moderate rate of speed 

 and under better control. 



If a fresh horse makes a few leaps, without trying 

 to force the hand or to get down its head, the rider 

 should sit quietly and press the animal forward, so 

 that he can brino- it to face the bit. If the horse 

 plunges or ' bucks,' its head should be elevated, and 

 the animal must be driven forward in any pace 

 or movement that it will take, the rider bringing 

 it under better control when regular action is 

 established. 



If a horse is restless, and tries to go faster than 

 the rider desires, he should bring it to a halt and 

 either make it back a few paces, or (if he cannot 



