122 Horse and Man. 



worst swordsman, if he does but know how 

 to strike with the edge or to thrust with the 

 point of his weapon, can easily cut down or 

 run through an opponent who allows himself 

 to be attacked upon the bridle-hand. 



It is found by experience that the short 

 canter is the pace at which a horse can wheel 

 or circle with the greatest ease and rapidity. 

 Any well-made horse can easily be taught to 

 canter truly and steadily at a pace not ex- 

 ceeding five or six miles an hour. Prevail 

 upon your horse to do this, commencing with 

 either leg and changing legs at your pleasure, 

 and your object is gained. A very little 

 practice will perfect him in turning short on 

 his haunches to either hand, and then spring- 

 ing forward without breaking his stride ; and 

 you may even teach him, if you think it 

 worth while, to execute a complete semi-circle 

 upon his hind legs with his fore feet sus- 

 pended in the air. 



It was truly and generously observed by 

 Marshal Soult, that the English cavalry, if 

 they were but taught to supple their horses 

 according to M. Baucher's system, would be 

 the most formidable that ever existed; be- 



