HINTS FOR SPECIAL CASES. 281 



able. In halting from tlie gallop, touch the horse gently, 

 but steadily, with the spurs when the hind legs are for- 

 ward, and immediately follow this movement by a tension 

 of the hand. If the rein is drawn before the spurs are used 

 the hind legs cannot be controlled, and the horse stops only 

 after a series of bounds, which are as uncomfortable to the 

 rider as they are ungraceful. The instant halt, from an 

 ordinary gallop, may, Avith a well-trained horse, be effected 

 without difficulty. 



Skilful riding is, if the expression may be allowed, an 

 acquired instinct^ and written instructions can give but an 

 imperfect idea of the manner in which an accomplished 

 rider is enabled to make his horse entirely subservient to 

 his will, holding him, between his hands and his legs, ready 

 to obey his least suggestion, and powerless to oppose his 

 wishes ; yet this is not a difficult acquirement for any per- 

 son who will devote himself with zeal to his own and his 

 horse's education. 



HINTS FOR SPECIAL CASES. 



In riding over hard ground, the horse should be kept 

 to a trot, or a very gentle canter, as the concussion of the 

 gallop is very severe on the hoofs and legs ; strains, in- 

 flammation in the feet, break down, and, worse than all, 

 quarter-crack, are frequent penalties of a disregard of this 

 suggestion. The friction of hard roads on the shoes often 

 renders them so hot as to injure the hoof. 



When a piece of turf or soft road offers, the pace may 

 be with safety extended to a sharp gallop without much 

 danger of accident. 



In riding over miry ground, the horse should be taken 

 firmly between the legs, and the body should be inclined 

 slightly backward, to prevent a fall forw^ard in case of his 



