96 THE HORSEMAN. 



CHAPTER V. 



SECTION I. -On the Vices of the Horse. 



As resistance in horses proceeds from spirit and vice, 

 mal-formation, mal-treatment, or an improper adjustment 

 of the equipments, the rider, before mounting one of this 

 character, should examine minutely every portion of the 

 bridle and saddle affecting him. 



The vices to which some horses are addicted, are rest- 

 iveness, shying, plunging, bolting, rearing, kicking, &c. 

 We will examine them severally, and give, as far as 

 practicable, a remedy. 



Restiveness in a horse consists in turning round and 

 round, moving backward and forward, standing stock- 

 still, and sidling or passaging contrary to the will of the 

 rider. It is frequently caused by bad management on 

 the part of the rider, mal-treatment, or an improper 

 adjustment of the equipments. For example : if the bit 

 touches and jars the tushes, it gives him pain or annoys 

 him, and to relieve himself, he throws up his head or 

 draws it to his breast, turns round and round, and, in fact, 

 attempts almost everything to free himself. He likewise 

 does the same when the bit is so high as to gag him, or 

 the crook to touch the palate. 



If the saddle binds his shoulders too tightly, or rests 

 upon the spine, he will crouch and sink under it, and if 

 not immediately relieved, will become restive. 



