ON THE ROAD. 83 



ceeding hill, and will catch them in hand again, and hold them hard 

 over the top, as before." 



Wlien being driven either for business or pleasure, horses should 

 be watered at intei'vals of an hour or so, but not more than half a 

 bucketful at once. When going all day, they should be watered 

 and fed at least once during the day, and light feeds at frequent 

 intervals are better. A feed eaten from a nose-bag, while standing 

 in the harness, is sometimes the best that can be given, under the 

 circumstances. But when it is possible to relieve the horse of its har- 

 ness, put it in a stall and make it comfortable while taking its mid- 

 day rations, it will be far better prepared to go during tlie remainder 

 of the day. 



A horse that has spirit enough to go w ith any satisfaction to its 

 driver rarely needs the whip. The writer once had a young horse 

 which he drove for months at a time without taking the whip from 

 the socket. With keen intelligence and a high spirit, the horse 

 was quick to comprehend what was expected of him, and eager to 

 perform it. Upon such a horse a blow, save in some extreme 

 emergency, is a barbarous outrage. There are sluggish or refractory 

 horses which sometimes require the lash, but it should never be 

 applied to urge forward a jaded or exhausted animal. The word 

 " whoa " should never be used except when the horse is desn-ed to 

 come to a full stop. He should be taught the meaning of that word 

 as well as "back " and " steady," and made to obey them. 



Driving a spirited horse, with good trotting action, is one of the 

 keenest and most exhilarating pleasures in the world. Such a horse 

 requires the best of care in the stable, especially its feet. In a well- 

 fitting harness, to a strong, light road-wagon, with a smooth road 

 and a skillful driver, it will show the very "poetry of motion." 

 "The driver takes a hne in each hand," says Mr. H. W. Rugg, 

 " and the circuit is complete. He signals with so light a touch that 

 his partner for the ride cannot detect them, yet the response is prompt 

 and certain. As he flies along the smooth roadway so evenly he feels 

 the thrill in every nerve. A horse like that would go at a rattling 

 pace until it dropped down a wreck. The good driver will always 

 keep something back for an emergency. He wUl know when to let 

 up, then watch for the first signal of distress, the swinging head, 

 the changing gait, the labored breath. A great many overdrive the 

 first half of their ride, and spend the time of the latter half in regret- 

 ting it. Before starting out try and determine not only the route, 

 but the time it is proposed to be on the road. At the start let the 

 horse take an easy gait, and keex> him cool as possible. If inclined 

 to fret, talk to him in an easy tone, using few words, but use the 



