454 RIDING DIFFICULT HORSES. 



prudence should not be taken as a personal affront, but 

 he should be spoken to and encouraged to try, 

 preferably, if possible, after another horse has got 

 safely over the obstacle, if there is no other part of the 

 fence negotiable. I think that by dint of patience and 

 tactful management, many refusers may be taught to 

 repose sufficient confidence in their riders to make an 

 effort when required, but that can be done only by 

 gentle means and easy tasks. Old tricky offenders 

 cannot be cured of this or any other vice. A lady who 

 is hunting on a doubtful jumper should be careful not 

 to upset other horses by letting her refuser perform 

 in front of them, but should show consideration for 

 her companions by keeping a backward place, sup- 

 posing that several horses are taking their turn at 

 jumping the only practicable part in a fence. Refusers 

 are detested in the hunting field, and a lady whose 

 hunter is known to shirk his fences and stir up equine 

 rebellion, is soon classed among the large number of 

 those who never will be missed. 



BORING. 



Horses are said to bore when they carry their heads 

 down and lean heavily on the bit or bear on it to one 

 side. As both the curb and Pelham have a ten- 

 dency to make a horse carry his head low, they should 

 not, as a rule, be used with a borer. The rider might 

 make the animal keep his head in proper position by 

 playing with the snaffle, the cheekpieces of the bridle of 

 which may be shortened, so that the mouthpiece may 



