RIDING RECOLLECTIONS 



of the usual bridoon, he rode with a double strap 

 of leather, exactly the width of a bridle-rein, and 

 twice its thickness, resting where the snaffle 

 ordinarily lies, on the horse's tongue and bars. 

 With his touch it answered admirably ; with mine, 

 perhaps because I used the leather more roughly 

 than the metal, it seemed the severer of the two. 

 But a badly-broken horse, and half the hunters 

 we ride have scarcely been taught their alphabet, 

 will perhaps try to avoid the restraint of a curb 

 by throwing his head up at the critical moment 

 when you want to steady him for a difficulty. If 

 you have a firm seat, perfectly independent of the 

 bridle, — and do not be too sure of this, until you 

 have tried the experiment of sitting a leap with 

 nothing to hold on by, — you may call in the 

 assistance of the running martingale, slipping your 

 curb-rein, which should be made to unbuckle, 

 through its rings. Your curb, I repeat, contrary 

 to the usual practice, and not your sjiaffle. I will 

 soon explain why. 



The horse has so docile a nature, that he would 

 always rather do right than wrong, if he can only 

 be taught to distinguish one from the other ; 

 therefore, have all your restrictive power on the 

 same engine. Directly he gives to your hand, 

 by affording him more liberty you show him that 

 he has met your wishes, and done what you 

 asked. If you put the martingale on your 



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