Suppling the Horse. 9 1 



he brings his head home at the slightest touch 

 of the bit. 



Next endeavour to get him in hand while 

 mounted. Take up the bit rein and draw it 

 smoothly towards you, until you feel a steady 

 pressure upon the horse's mouth. Maintain 

 this pressure without increase or diminution, 

 until he drops his nose and plays with the bit; 

 then slacken the rein and make much of him. 

 Persevere until he opens his mouth and 

 arches his neck at the first touch of the bit, 

 without stiffening his body or shifting his 

 legs. If he endeavours to avoid the pressure 

 of the bit by stepping backwards, bring him 

 back to his ground by a touch of the whip ; 

 and if he is obstinately fidgety, get an assist- 

 ant to keep him in his place by holding the 

 bridoon rein. But if you cautiously refrain 

 from mounting him until you have fairly got 

 him in hand on foot, this will seldom be ne- 

 cessary. 



You have now complete command of your 

 horse's forehand at a halt, and you have next 

 to acquire equal power over his hind- quarters. 

 This you must do by the use of the spur. 

 Your horse has already learnt to answer the 



