64 HORSEMANSHIP. 



of the mane firmly rovmd the fore-finger of the left 

 hand ; clasp the neck of the horse with the right hand, 

 and press the legs and feet closely to the sides. 



In swimming, the rider must cease to use the bit- 

 rein, and retain the gentlest bearing upon the snaffle 

 alone. If he persist in using the bit, the horse's nose 

 will be instantly drawn under the water, and thus 

 prove fatal to one or both. The body of the rider 

 must lean well forward to guard against the violent 

 propulsion of the horse ; and the feet must be im- 

 mediately disengaged from the stirrups, in preparation 

 to be separated from the horse in any emergency. In 

 swimming streams, always swim down with the stream : 

 thus the powers of the horse will not be exhausted, and 

 the stream will be crossed without danger. In at- 

 tempting to swim against a rapid current, the horse is 

 liable to be turned over, and his life jeopardised. 

 In fording streams, always ford them upwards, or in 

 a slanting direction against the stream. The horse 

 thus stems the stream, and has the better chance of 

 retaining his footing. The rider keeps his eyes fixed 

 between the ears of the horse, otherwise the rapidity 

 of the stream may cause giddiness and confusion. 

 The fords of streams are generally found to be in 



