CORRECTIONS. 25 



seat should be easy, her leg still, and her bridle 

 hand steady. The perfection of soothing consists 

 in the rider sitting so still, and easy, as not to 

 add in the least, to the horse's animation, at the 

 same time being on her guard, so as to be able to 

 meet any contingency that may occur. 



CORRECTIONS. 



The best horse sometimes requires correction, 

 but the sooner a lady gets rid of a horse that she 

 is compelled to flog, the better ; the effect is most 

 unpleasant, though the ^clat may be great, and 

 such a sight would destroy every previously form- 

 ed idea of her grace and gentleness : moderate 

 corrections are however some times necessarj'-, and 

 the lady should make no scruple of having re- 

 course to them when absolutely necessary, but not 

 otherwise. The best way to correct a horse is to 

 dishearten him, and make him do what he would 

 fain avoid, not so much by force and obstinate re- 

 solution, in contesting with him openly, and di- 

 rectly, when he is perfectly prepared to resist ; as 

 by a cool opposition, and indirect means. There 

 are different methods of attaining the same end, 

 and those which are the least obvious to the ani- 

 mal should be adopted ; a lady cannot rival him in 

 physical strength, but she may conquer him by 



