Fouk-in-Hand. 



375 



to be held hard back by the pole-chains, a slow pace is essential. A bad coachman either 

 wears his horses out with holding back, or by going too fast down-hill loses all command. 



The whip is a part of driving apparatus that can rarely be dispensed with, yet which 

 should be used as little as possible. Good horses who know their driver rarely require more 

 than a slight indication. But if a horse declines to go into the collar and up to a bit that 

 fits, and is not too sharp for him, the whip must be used freely, but without temper, until 

 he gives way. But before resort is had to this ultima ratio of charioteers, the driver should 



STOPPING. 



be quite sure that all the harness fits, and that the bridle suits the mouth and temper of the 

 animal. 



A lady's whip should be very long, and as she generally sits low, she should be care- 

 fully taught never to hit horses behind the pad, and, if possible, on the forearm or shoulder. 



Horses should work clear of the pole, but parallel with it. This may be helped by 

 occasionally slightly touching the shoulders near the pole with the point of the whip. 

 Whether they will work in the form they should will depend on their being properly coupled : 

 that is, that the reins when crossed draw evenly, according to the shape and temper of each 

 horse. An observant coachman will alter his coupling-reins half a dozen times in half an 

 hour the first time he puts a new pair of horses in harness. 



