THE CANTER. 105 



rider then takes two reins in each hand, and must take 

 great care that the bearings npon the mouth are made 

 with dehcacy and truth. If the colt prove headstrong, 

 unruly, and difficult to be restrained with the snaffles 

 alone, encircle the bits of both snaffles with a ring or 

 curb chain, as recommended in the uses of the bit and 

 snaffle. 



In commencing the pace of the canter, be satisfied 

 with having completed a short distance at one trial. 

 Commence the canter from the extended trot, and at 

 every suspension of the pace, bring the colt gradually 

 to the halt. The abruptness of the full stop, and the 

 sudden twists in sharp turns to the right hand and to 

 the left, are certain to produce mischief in a very short 

 time ; therefore, when you begin the lessons with the 

 double snaffle, and afterwards with the bit and the 

 snaffle, you cannot be too careful and delicate in these 

 movements with a colt or untrained horse. 



Finally, the rider must always bear in mind, that the 

 fineness of mouth is not produced by lacerating the 

 gums of the horse. The delicate and beautiful skin 

 which covers them, is never so tender and sensitive 

 after abrasion as before. The mouth of the colt has to 

 be formed to the usage of the hand, as the hand is the 



