224 JR.estivc7icss : its Prcve7itio7i and Cure, 



be superadded to this method of treatment ; and thus 

 the animal may be got and kept under wa}' constantly, 

 which gives the rider the desired opportunity of work- 

 ing it — for this is the main object to keep in view. Two 

 or three servants riding together, and thinking only of 

 their own amusement, will teach horses to cling to one 

 another ; or one riding the same dull constant round will 

 stupefy a horse into restiveness, of which it may be cured 

 by the above method. 



But if you have an enclosed space of some kind to 

 work in, 25 to 30 yards long, and 15 to 20 wide, it will 

 be much better to use it in the first instance ; and then, 

 when you feel it to be safe, ride out occasionally till the 

 cure is complete. Of course your main object will be 

 to get the horse to go so772ehoiv in the first instance, and 

 then by degrees in obedience, the means of effecting 

 which have been already pointed out. 



Should the restiveness be traceable to physical defects 

 — to weakness of the back, loins, hind legs, or to some 

 peculiarity of conformation of the head and neck, as is 

 especially the case with horses that seek to defend them- 

 selves by rearing or "bucking" — you must adjust your 

 seat very carefully, and sometimes even change your sad- 

 dle with that view. It is a great mistake in such cases, 

 under the pretext of getting what is called a good, firm 

 seat, to rest your whole weight on the horse's loins, by 

 placing yourself at one end of a long saddle, and tuck- 

 ing up your legs with short stirrups at the other end. 

 On the contrary, one must get well down into the centre 

 of the saddle, with somewhat of a fork seat ; and the 

 bringing your weight forward must be accomplished, 

 not by bending in that direction from your hips, which 

 will lose you all control over the horse's neck and head, 

 but by bringing the seat into the proper place. 



With irritable, impatient tempers it is important to sit 

 as steadily as possible — a close seat is what suits them 



