GENEKAL NOTES. 123 



by riding without reins or stirrups. 

 Otherwise, the rider will acquire the 

 habit of depending, more or less, upon 

 the aid of bit and irons. If he can- 

 not ride without their support he will 

 be unable to use his hands and legs 

 in the management of his steed ; and 

 he will be a clog rather than a help 

 to the horse ; for his hand will check 

 and harass the fore-hand, w^hile his 

 seat, forced by the w^eight he bears in 

 the stirrups, will not permit the body 

 to keep the poise required for the 

 balance of the mass. 



I do not think that too much im- 

 portance can be given to lunging 

 upon the cavesson. I know of nothing 

 that will so effectually quiet an un- 

 ruly or a nervous animal, and it 



