SPECIAL FORMS OF RESTTVENESS. 309 



indicated in a previous chapter. This will, of course, 

 require a higher and gradually-ascending position of the 

 neck ; but as the difficulty probably arises in the junc- 

 tion of the head with this part of the body, no attempt 

 should be made to bend the nose downward, for that 

 is what annoys the horse. The best gear will be a 

 bearing-rein like that used for carriage-horses, but with 

 the rings as close under the horse's ears as possible, so 

 as to lift the neck unbent at the part known as the poll. 

 In both cases the dumb-jockey is useful if judiciously 

 employed. 



Subsequently, when the horse has learned to bend 

 its hocks, you may bit it with a light, well-fitted bit, 

 which will bend the neck downwards without altering 

 the junction with the head ; in fact, what is technically 

 termed a " false bend " will be attained, which, however, 

 suffices to render the animal controllable so long as the 

 rider preserves the mastery over its hind legs, by keep- 

 ing his own close to its body. In riding such horses, it 

 is useful, when you find them beginning to rush, to bring 

 them by gentle means to stand still, throwing your own 

 body, from the hips upwards, somewhat forward, and 

 easing the reins altogether for a moment ; whereas the 

 common practice of unskilful riders is to throw them- 

 selves back and pull like grim death. 



Eeining-back may also be employed, but not with 

 horses that are weak behind, nor otherwise than in a 

 proper position, so that the horse retires gently 

 the contrary of backing, and never as a punishment. 

 Generally it will be preferable to stand still, and 

 encourage the horse, by feeling its mouth, to champ the 

 mouth-piece, when the stiffness of the head and neck 

 will gradually relax, and it may be put in motion again. 



