THE HORSEMAN. 43 



SECTION XV. On the Bridle hand and Legs. 



It will be observed that, by raising and drawing the 

 bridle hand toward the body, the horse slackens pace ; 

 by increasing the effect of the bridle hand, he stops ; and 

 if still more augmented, he backs. 



By inclining the bridle hand to the right or left, and a 

 little forward, the rider causes the horse to describe a cir- 

 cle upon his hind legs or heels ; if the leg or spur is ap- 

 plied on the side to which the turn is made, he will de- 

 scribe a circle upon his centre ; and if the bridle hand is 

 kept firm and steady, and the leg or spur applied a little 

 more to the rear, he will make the circle upon his fore 

 legs. 



The reader will very readily perceive, that by in- 

 clining the bridle hand to the left, the right rein becomes 

 pressed against the horse's neck, while the left is slack- 

 ened : now, instead of the horse being governed by the 

 action of the rein against his neck (as some horsemen 

 affirm), the bit acts upon the right side of the mouth 

 only, and consequently he turns to the left to avoid or 

 free himself from the pressure. Vice versa, turning the 

 horse to the right. 



All operations of the bridle hand should be firm, gen- 

 tle, and light; and the transition gradual. The rider 

 should frequently feel the horse with a gentle hand, 

 which will make him hold up his head for the bits to act 

 advantageously, keep him light in hand, and prevent the 



