HAND 



your new acquaintance " bends " to you in his 

 canter better than in his trot, and if so, you may 

 safely push him to a gallop, taking great care, 

 however, not to let him extend himself too much. 

 When he goes on his shoulders, he becomes a 

 free agent ; so long as his haunches are under 

 him, you can keep him, as it is called, " in your 

 hand." 



There is considerable scope for thought in this 

 exercise of manual skill, and it is always wise to 

 save labour of body by use of brain. Take care, 

 then, to have your front clear, so that your horse 

 may flatter himself he is leading his comrades, 

 when he will not give you half so much trouble 

 to retain him in reasonable bounds. Strategy is 

 here required no less than tactics, and horseman- 

 ship even as regards the bridle is quite as much a 

 matter of head as hand. If you are out hunting, 

 and have got thus far on good terms, you will 

 probably now be tempted to indulge in a leap. 

 We cannot, unfortunately, select these obstacles 

 exactly as we wish ; it is quite possible your first 

 fence may be high, strong, and awkward, with 

 every probability of a fall. Take your horse at it 

 quietly, but resolutely, in a canter, remembering 

 that the quicker and shorter his strides, while 

 gathering impetus, the greater effort he can make 

 when he makes his spring. Above all, measure 

 with your eye, and endeavour to show him by 



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