Soothings, Animations, Etc. 95 



ing consists in the rider's sitting so entirely still 

 and easy, as not to add in the least to the horse's 

 animation ; — at the same time being on her guard, 

 so as to be able to effect any of her defences in an 

 instant, should occasion render them needful. 



There is scarcely any difference between sooth- 

 ings and encouragements ; except that, in the latter, 

 it is advisable to pat, and, as it were, caress the 

 horse with the right hand, holding the whip in the 

 left. A shy or timid horse may often be encour- 

 aged to pass an object that alarms him, to cross a 

 bridge, enter a gateway, or take a leap, when 

 force and correction would add only to his fear, 

 and, perhaps, render him incorrigibly obstinate. 



Animations are intended to produce greater 

 speed, or, to render the horse more lively and on 

 the alert, without increasing his pace. Some ani- 

 mals scarcely ever require animation ; while others 

 are so dull and deficient in mettle as to call them 

 frequently into use. The slightest movement of 

 the body, the hand, or the leg, is enough to rouse 

 the well-bred and thoroughly-trained animal ; but 

 it is necessary for the animations to be so spirited 

 and united, with sluggish horses, as almost to be- 

 come corrections : in fact, what is a mere anima- 

 tion to one horse, would be a positive correction to 

 another. 



