BENDING LESSON. 213 



flesh between the bit and the jaw-bone, though many 

 suppose this to be the case ; but the fact is, it is not 

 the horse's mouth that is hard, but the rider's hand 

 that is in fault." " If the horse has never been taught 

 its yield to the pressure of the bit, and to bring his 

 head in, he will, should he have a severe bit in his 

 mouth, set his jaw against it, to alleviate the pain 

 he suffers ; and thus, he adopts a way of his own, 

 winch he will ever after recur to, in similar circum- 

 stances." The bit should be placed in the horse's 

 mouth, so that the mouth-piece be one inch above 

 the lower tusk, the curb chain laid flat, and fastened 

 to that tightness, as to admit of one finger being 

 passed, between it, and the horse's jaw. 



BENDING LESSON. 



**" The balance of the horse's body, and his light- 

 ness in hand, depend on the proper carriage of the 

 head and neck, and to these two points, first direct 

 your attention. They should always precede, and 

 prepare the horse by their attitude, for every move- 

 ment about to be executed ; and the rider has no 

 power over the animal, until he has rendered both 

 these points, susceptible of every impulse communi- 

 cated by him. It stands to reason, that if they do not 

 lead in all turns, and changes of hand, &c., if in any 

 circling, they are not bent to the circle, if in reining 

 back, the hand is not brought home, if their carriage 

 is not always in keeping with the different paces, the 

 horse may execute the movements required of him, 

 or not, as he pleases ; for his resources are still at his 

 own disposal." 



* Training of Cavalry Remount Horses by Captain Nolan, 



28 



