292 CONFESSIONS OP A HOESE DEALEE. 



which, being more severe than the snaffle, necessarily 

 requires a much lighter and a steadier hand. 



If the horse is well-broken, and properly in hand, the 

 pupil may manage him with the hand placed on the 

 reins, as before directed, with a very little practice. 

 'The aid or signal for the near (left) side being applied 

 by turning the back of the hand down ; and for the off, 

 or right side, the aid must be applied by rounding the 

 wrist a little, to which the well-broken horse will always 

 answer. 



And here I may remark that I have frequently heard 

 persons, who profess the business of " riding masters," 

 say it is impossible to manage horses with one hand ; 

 and so it is, by their method of teaching. But a com- 

 plete answer may be given to them, by reminding them 

 that all cavalry horses are managed and controlled solely 

 with one hand, for the right hand of the cavalry soldier 

 must be free to fight and defend himself in action. 

 Therefore, what is to prevent civilians from practising 

 the same method, when properly instructed ? 



The pupil will remember that he is on all occasions to 

 keep his horse in hand, so that in case of a stumble he 

 is ready to assist or control him, if, by any unforeseen 

 chance, the animal is suddenly startled or frisks about 

 in play. The horse should be supported and encouraged 

 in his paces by a light and gentle " correspondence " 

 Between the pupil's hand and the horse's mouth, the 

 wrist and little finger being quite sufficient to keep it 

 up with a well-broken horse properly in hand. By this 



