208 MODERN FARRIEll. 



horse ; but afterwards, when they are grow^ti more 

 intelligent, they should go alone. At the end of 

 the lesson, rein back ; then put the horse, by a little 

 at a time, forwards, by approaching both legs gently 

 to his sides, and playing with the bridle ; if he rears, 

 push him out immediately into a full trot. Shaking 

 the cavesson on the horse's nose, and also putting- 

 one's self before him and rather near to him, will 

 generally make him back, though he otherwise re- 

 fuse to do it : and moreover a slight use and ap- 

 proaching of the rider's legs will sometimes be 

 necessary in backing, in order to prevent the horse 

 from doing it too much upon his shoulders ; but the 

 pressure of the .legs ought to be very small, and 

 taken quite away the moment that he puts himself 

 enough upon his haunches. If the horse does not 

 back upon a straight line properly, the rider must 

 not be permitted to have recourse immediately to 

 his leg, and so distort himself by it ; but first try, if 

 crossing over his hand and reins to which ever side 

 it may be necessary, will not be alone sufficient, 

 which most frequently it will ; if not, then employ 

 the leg. 



After a horse is well prepared and settled, and 

 goes freely on in all his several paces, he ought to 

 be in all his works kept, to a proper degree, upon 

 his haunches, with his hinder legs well placed under 

 him ; whereby he will be always pleasant to himself 

 and his rider, will be light in hand, and ready to 

 execute whatever may be demanded of him, -with 

 facility, vigour, and quickness. 



The common method that is used in forcing a horse ] 

 sidewise, is a most glaring absurdity, and very hurt- 

 ful to the animal in its consequences ; for instead of 

 suppling him, it obliges him to stiffen and defend 

 himself, and often makes a creature that is naturally 

 benevolent, restive, frightened, and vicious. 



For horses who have very long and high fore- 

 hands, and who poke out their noses, a running 



