The Hand. 43 



to keep it as nearly as possible uniform. You 

 will soon find that you can detect both its 

 absence and its increase, although you do not 

 seem to feel its presence ; and this curious 

 faculty will be your guide in maintaining it. 



If your horse is a good steady goer, who 

 does not require much assistance from the 

 legs, you may now ride him at a short or col- 

 lected trot or canter. Endeavour to main- 

 tain the elastic play of the bit, and to keep his 

 neck arched and his head home. If he extends 

 his neck and protrudes his nose, try to check 

 him by feeling the rein as if you were very gra- 

 dually pulling him up, at the same time urging 

 him forward, or making your attendant do so, 

 by a touch of the whip. You will soon become 

 aware of the great pleasure which a light 

 mouthed and high couraged horse, skilfully 

 kept in hand with the curb, bestows both 

 upon the rider arid upon the spectator. 



No ordinary horse should ever be ridden, 

 except for the purpose of instructing his rider, 

 otherwise than in a curb and snaffle at once. 

 He cannot be compelled to put forth his full 

 powers in either of these bridles singly. If 

 you ride him in a single curb, or as it is com- 



