283 Modern Riding and Horse Education 



necessary, but it is better applied when we are work- 

 ing on foot and are assured of mastery and obedi- 

 ence, and only then if a resolute pair of hands and 

 legs and a touch of whip and spur have failed of 

 their effect. Patience and untiring effort is the 

 secret of success with a refuser, be he young or old, 

 if the result is to be satisfactory and the lesson a 

 lasting one. 



If the horse refuses because he has been punished 

 in the mouth, jump him without reins over very low 

 obstacles, which should gradually be raised; then 

 use reins attached to a thick smooth snaffle. I have 

 seen a horse, who had been refusing for half-an- 

 hour, jump at once simply because the curb bit was 

 removed from his mouth, although up to then no 

 pressure had been put upon it. If for any reason 

 jumping without reins cannot be undertaken, it is 

 best to dismount and put on a crupper leading-rein 

 (described in the section devoted to appliances, page 

 231). After the horse has jumped with this appli- 

 ance, which assuredly he will, feed him with a 

 mouthful of carrot or other delicacy; rest him a 

 little, and then ride him over the fence ; if he again 

 refuses, repeat the performance. 



