Vices. 109 



united, in fear of the whip, and not only put the 

 rider to inconvenience, but run the risk of a repe- 

 tition of his mishap, before he regains his self-pos- 

 session. It being generally the practice, — and a 

 very bad practice it is, — for riders to correct horses 

 after having made a false step, an habitual stum- 

 bler may be easily detected. When a horse, that 

 is tolerably safe, makes a false step, he gathers 

 himself up, and is slightly animated for a moment 

 or two only, or goes on as if nothing had hap- 

 pened ; but if he be an old offender, he will re- 

 member the punishment he has repeatedly received 

 immediately after a stumble, and dash forward in 

 the manner we have described, expecting the usual 

 flagellation for his misfortune. 



When a horse evinces any disposition to kick, 

 or rear, the reins should be separated, and held by 

 both hands, in the manner we have described in a 

 previous page. This should also be done when he 

 attempts to run away, grows restive or shies. The 

 body should also be put in its proper balance for 

 performing the defences : the shoulders should be 

 thrown back, the waist brought forward, and the 

 head well poised on the neck. Every part of the 

 frame must be flexible, but perfectly ready for 

 action. 

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