112 HINTS ON HORSEMANSHIP 



his grip on the reins increases, and he ceases to be 

 riding with " good hands." 



Why is it that some horses go so well with some 

 men and not with others ? This is largely a matter 

 of confidence. For example, a horse rears or 

 shows temper when leaving the stable. A nervous 

 rider starts "niggling" and makes the matter 

 worse. A bold rider gives him his head, a kick 

 in the ribs, or perhaps merely speaks to him, and 

 touches him with his crop on the shoulder, and 

 the trouble is at an end. The whole thing is 

 entirely a matter of confidence, in cases of this 

 sort. 



Finally, sjmapathy is necessary. Sympathy is 

 a virtue that embraces amongst others that of 

 patience. It is necessary to understand sym- 

 pathetically the desires, and sufferings, the eager- 

 ness, and even the thoughts of the animal one 

 rides. 



Directly a man becomes irritated and jabs his 

 horse in the mouth, he possesses bad hands at that 

 moment, however good they may be on other 

 occasions. Therefore, for all horses to go well 

 with us on every occasion, we must be possessed of 

 these three gifts, and when we have them we have 

 hands in the making. Therefore it can be seen 

 that " hands " are merely a question of experience. 

 Balance can be taught, confidence can be instilled, 

 and sympathy grows daily with experience and 

 knowledge. To know all is to forgive all, and the 

 more we know the more we are ready to forgive 

 both with men and horses. 



