24 EQUITATION. 



hand. When it is necessary to recur to animation 

 frequently, they ought to be varied ; even the whip, 

 if it be often used, unless with different degrees of 

 force, will lose its effect. 



SOOTHINGS. 



We should endeavor, as Xenophon observes, " to 

 make ourself to our horse, the organ of pleasure, 

 and that he should associate with our presence, 

 the idea of the absence of pain." Horses are by 

 degrees made obedient, through the hope of recom- 

 pense, as well as the fear of punishment ; to use 

 these two incentives with judgment, is a very 

 difficult matter, requiring much thought, much 

 practice and good temper ; mere force, and want 

 of skill, and coolness, tend to confirm vice and 

 restiveness. The voice, the leg and the whole 

 body, may be emploj^ed to soothe and encourage. 

 High mettled or fretful horses, it is often neces- 

 sary to soothe, and timid ones to encourage. A 

 spirited animal is frequently impatient when first 

 mounted, or if a horse or carriage pass him at a 

 quick rate ; in either case, the rider should endea- 

 vor to soothe her horse, by speaking to him in a 

 calm gentle tone ; she should keep her whip as 

 motionless as possible, taking even more care than 

 usual, that its lash do not touch his flank, her 



