100 HORSEMANSHIP. 



extended, so that the lash of the whip may be readily- 

 thrown towards the hind quarters of the horse, to 

 urge him forward. If you get before the line of the 

 forehand, it will tend to check the pace ; and if you 

 get behind the shoulder, it will excite the horse to 

 increase the pace, and cause him unnecessary alarm. 

 Study to keep the colt at a strictly regular pace, be- 

 ginning at a very slow trot. When the colt has been 

 longed to one hand for a sufficient time, draw him 

 quietly to the centre, speaking to him and caressing 

 him. Have a few oats ready for him, in the palm of 

 the hand; but keep the whip out of sight, or let it 

 fall at once upon the ground. Do not let the first few 

 lessons exceed an hour in length. After which, put 

 a plain snaffle in his mouth, but allow the reins to lie 

 loosely on his neck. When the colt has become per- 

 fectly tractable in the walk and trot, both in the col- 

 lected and extended pace, proceed to longe him with 

 the reins fastened to the roller. The roller must be 

 fitted with a crupper ; and in adjusting the latter, the 

 greatest care and attention must be given that the 

 hairs of the tail be not entangled or doubled up with 

 it. Reins made of strong India-rubber band are in- 

 finitely preferable to those made of leather; because 



