236 PRECEPT AND PRACTICE. 



objectionable. We want a horse to look at the 

 fence he is about to take, and go steadily (however 

 fast he may go) to it, not to rush *' star gazing" at 

 it, (which horses thus prone to elevate their heads 

 are very apt to do). But, at all events, getting up 

 the hand under such circumstances can do no good ; 

 therefore, thus far, it must be admitted that the 

 martingal does at least no harm. On rising at his 

 leap, or in going over, the rider will probably feel 

 a certain slight pull at the reins, indicative of the 

 horse wanting, or at least wishing for, greater liberty 

 of head. What is the use of hands to a horseman, 

 but to take such hint and indulge it when we con- 

 ceive it necessary or convenient to the horse, and 

 consistent with our own safety, that he should have 

 it. Cavillers against martingals might say that the 

 very pull I have represented against the hands is a 

 sort of check to the horse. Not a bit : we are not 

 to suppose a rider's hands and arms to be, like the 

 blacksmith's, only sensible to the weight of a sledge- 

 hammer. The pull described might not check a 

 child in any act he was performing, much less a 



