HAND 



bad policy to have the slightest misunderstanding. 

 The stone of Sisyphus gathered impetus less 

 rapidly than does a horse who is getting the 

 better of his rider ; and John Gilpin was not the 

 first equestrian, by a good many, for whom 



" The trot became a gallop soon, 

 In spite of curb and rein." 



'* I am the owner, I wish I could say the master, 

 of the four best hunters I ever had in my life," 

 wrote one of the finest horsemen in Europe to a 

 brother-proficient in the art ; and although so 

 frank an avowal would have seemed less surpris- 

 ing from an inferior performer, his friend, who 

 was also in the habit of riding anything, any- 

 where, and over everything, doubtless understood 

 perfectly what he meant. 



Now in equitation there can be no divided 

 empire ; and the horse will most assuredly be 

 master if the man is not. In the interests of good 

 government, then, beware how you let your 

 authority literally slip through your fingers, for, 

 once lost, it will not easily be regained. 



Draw your reins gently to an equal length, 

 and ascertain the precise bearing on your horse's 

 mouth that seems, while he is yet in a walk, to 

 influence his action without offending his 

 sensitiveness. But this cannot be accomplished 

 with the hands alone ; these members, though 

 supposed to be the prime agents of control, will 



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