194 PINK AND SCARLET 



being led, originated probably by improper or rough 

 handling at some time or other when being led ; 

 this objection can usually be overcome by firmness 

 and kindness. Should this fail, a string fastened as 

 shown in the picture (p. 193), will generally settle 

 matters. This method of leading a horse is also 

 useful in case we have no head collar or halter to 

 hand. 



On p. 63 one precaution against being dragged 

 is mentioned, another (and perhaps the best of the 

 many patent safety dodges) is to have a stirrup with 

 only one side. In this stirrup the outside is made 

 extra strong, and the place of the inside is taken by 

 a rubber ring which comes away at once if the foot 

 be pressed against it. Most men put their feet 

 against the outside of the iron only, and no incon- 

 venience results from having only one side. Being 

 dragged is the worst thing that can happen, and 

 personal experience of being hung up in the stirrup, 

 with the bridle in the hand, it is true, hwX. pulled off 

 the horse in the act of falling, has induced the use 

 of these stirrup-irons for hunting. 



Two useful things to remember are, that in going 

 through a narrow gateway, or in jumping near a 

 tree, we should put our \&gs forward m front of the 

 saddle and not backwards behind it, and that when 

 a fall is probable, especially at water, and when 

 riding through a deep ford, we should take our feet 

 out of the stirrups. Should there be any likelihood 

 of the horse having to swim in the ford, we should 

 also cross the stirrups over the saddle. It is 



